Lingo-1 antagonists and uses for treatment of demyelinating disorders

ABSTRACT

Methods, compositions and kits are described herein useful for detecting and/or treating a CNS demyelinating disease.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent Ser. No. 16/589,322,filed Oct. 1, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patent Ser. No.15/541,944, filed Jul. 6, 2017, which is a U.S. National PhaseApplication under U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No.PCT/US2016/012619, filed Jan. 8, 2016, which claims the benefit under 35U.S.C. 119 of Provisional Application No. 62/101,336, filed Jan. 8,2015, and U.S. Provisional Application 62/147,783, filed Apr. 15, 2015,the contents of each of the aforesaid applications are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the brain andspinal cord characterized by recurrent foci of inflammation that lead todestruction of the myelin sheath. In many areas, nerve fibers are alsodamaged. Inflammatory activity in MS patients tends to be highest in theinitial phase of disease.

Emerging data demonstrate that irreversible axonal loss occurs early inthe course of MS. Transected axons fail to regenerate in the centralnervous system (CNS); and therefore, early treatment aimed atsuppressing MS lesion formation is of importance. As early as diseaseonset, axons are transected in lesions with active inflammation (Trappet al. (1998) N Engl J Med 338: 278-285; Bjartmar et al. (2001) CurrOpin Neurol 14: 271-278; Ferguson et al. (1997) Brain 120: 393-399). Thedegree of demyelination is related to the degree of inflammation and theexposure of demyelinated axons to the inflammatory environment, as wellas non-inflammatory mediators (Trapp et al. (1998) N Engl J Med 338:278-285; Kornek et al. (2000) Am J Pathol 157: 267-276; Bitsch et al.(2000) Brain 123: 1174-1183). There is also destruction ofoligodendrocytes and impaired remyelination in demyelinating lesions(Peterson et al. (2002) J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 61: 539-546; Chang etal. (2002) N Engl J Med 346: 165-173). A loss of oligodendrocytes leadsto a reduction in the capacity to remyelinate and may also result in theloss of trophic factors that support neurons and axons (Bjartmar et al.(1999) J Neurocytol 28: 383-395).

Optic neuritis, e.g., acute optic neuritis (AON), is characterized byinflammatory white matter lesions in the optic nerve. It is oftenassociated with MS and is one the most common initial manifestations ofthe disease. AON causes structural and functional optic nerve damage(e.g., neuroaxonal injury and demyelination) that can result inpermanent visual impairment for some patients (Cole, S. R. et al. InvestOphtalmol Vis Sci (2000) 41(5):1017-1021; Mi, S. et al. CNS Drugs 2013:27(7):493-503; Mangione C M et al. Arch Ophthalmol. (1988)116(11):1496-1504). The current treatment for acute optic neuritis ishigh dose steroids which provides mostly symptomatic relief and fails toenhance CNS remyelination or provide neuroaxonal protection (Beck R W etal. N Engl J Med 1992 326:581-8).

Currently approved therapies for MS are primarily immunomodulatory, andtypically do not have direct effects on CNS repair. Although some degreeof axonal remyelination by oligodendrocytes takes place early during thecourse of MS, typically, in younger patients, the ability to repair theCNS eventually fails, leading to irreversible tissue injury and anincrease in disease-related disabilities. Thus, there is a need foradditional therapies that enhance remyelination and neuroaxonalprotection in CNS demyelinating diseases, such as MS and optic neuritis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides, at least in part, methods andcompositions for treating or preventing CNS disorders, e.g., CNSdemyelinating disorders, using a reparative agent (e.g., a LINGO-1antagonist). In certain embodiments, the methods and compositionsdescribed herein include a reparative agent (e.g., a LINGO-1 antagonist)as a monotherapy, or in combination with an immunomodulatory agent. Incertain embodiments, the reparative agent is administered at a selectedtime interval such as to enhance one or more of: myelination,re-myelination, differentiated oligodendrocyte numbers, or neuroaxonalprotection in a subject, e.g., a human (e.g., a human MS patient). Incertain embodiments, the reparative agent (e.g., a LINGO-1 antagonist)can be used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) or an inflammatorycondition of the optic nerve, e.g., optic neuritis (e.g., acute opticneuritis (AON). Thus, methods, compositions and kits described hereincan be useful for treating a CNS disorder, e.g., a CNS demyelinatingdisease.

In one aspect, the invention features a method of treating a CNSdisorder, e.g., a CNS demyelinating disease (e.g., MS or an inflammatorycondition of the optic nerve, e.g., optic neuritis (e.g., AON), in asubject (e.g., a subject in need of treatment). The method includesadministering to the subject a reparative agent (e.g., a LINGO-1antagonist), in an amount sufficient to reduce one or more symptomsassociated with the disorder, thereby treating the disorder.

In one embodiment, the CNS demyelinating disorder treated or preventedis MS. In another embodiment, the CNS demyelinating disorder treated orprevented is optic neuritis, e.g., AON.

In certain embodiments, the reparative agent (e.g., a LINGO-1antagonist) is administered at a selected time interval chosen from one,two, or all of:

(i) prior to the onset or relapse of one or more symptoms of the CNSdemyelinating disease;

(ii) within 7 days after the onset or relapse of one or more symptoms ofthe CNS demyelinating disease (e.g., to enhance neuroprotection); or

(iii) within 30 days after the onset or relapse of one or more symptomsof the CNS demyelinating disease (e.g., to enhance remyelination).

In certain embodiments, administration of the anti-LINGO-1 antibodymolecule, as a monotherapy or a combination therapy, results in one ormore of:

(i) reducing, delaying or preventing one or more symptoms associatedwith the CNS demyelinating disease;

(ii) reducing, delaying or preventing a relapse, or the worsening of theCNS demyelinating disease;

(iii) reducing, delaying or preventing the development of a new lesionin the subject; and/or

(iv) reversing or preventing structural and/or functional CNS damage inthe subject.

In certain embodiments, the one or more symptoms associated with the CNSdemyelinating disease can be chosen from one, two, three, four, five,six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more (all) of visual loss, edema,inflammation, damage or demyelination of the myelin sheath covering theoptic nerve and axons, loss of retinal fiber layer, loss of retinalganglion cell layer, visual field defect, motion perception defect,color desaturation, decreased color vision, ocular pain, decreasedvisual acuity (e.g., as measured by low contract letter acuity or highcontrast visual acuity), Uhthoff s symptom, swollen optic disc, orrelative afferent papillary defect.

In certain embodiments, administration of the anti-LINGO-1 antibodymolecule, as a monotherapy or a combination therapy, results in one ormore of: reducing one or more symptoms associated with the disease,e.g., MS; and/or reducing, retarding or preventing a relapse, or theworsening of a disability, in the subject.

In certain embodiments described herein, Applicants have discovered thatadministration, e.g., acute administration, of the reparative agent as amonotherapy or a combination therapy can reduce neuronal/axonal damageafter an acute lesion, and/or more effectively reduces demyelination orincreases remyelination. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the methoddisclosed herein is used to treat or prevent an acute lesion of a CNSdemyelinating disorder (e.g., an acute MS lesion, an MS relapse, or anoptic nerve lesion (e.g., AON)). In certain embodiments, the reparativeagent is an antibody molecule against LINGO-1 and is administeredacutely, as a monotherapy or a combination therapy, e.g., within 30, 28,25, 24, 20, 18, 15, 12, 10, 5, 2, or 1 day after the onset or relapse ofone or more symptoms of the CNS demyelinating disease (e.g., less than4, 3, 2, 1 week after an acute lesion (e.g., any lesion in MS, an MSrelapse or AON)). In one embodiment, the acute administration is lessthan 2 weeks or 1 week after the acute lesion (e.g., less than 13, 12,11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 day, or hours after the acute lesion).In such embodiments, the antibody molecule is administered, as amonotherapy or a combination therapy, at about 1, 3, 10, 30, 60, 100 or150 mg/kg, e.g., once every one, two, three, four, five, eight, or 12weeks by injection (e.g., intravenous (IV), subcutaneous (SC), orintramuscular administration (IM)).

In one embodiment, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule is administered atabout 3 mg/kg via IV infusion or SC injection once every 4 weeks. In oneembodiment, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule is administered at about10 mg/kg via IV infusion or SC injection once every 4 weeks. In oneembodiment, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule is administered at about30 mg/kg via IV infusion or SC injection once every 4 weeks. In oneembodiment, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule is administered at about100 mg/kg via IV infusion or SC injection once every 4 weeks.

Without being bound by theory, Applicants further believe that chronicor prophylactic administration of the reparative agent as a monotherapyor as a combination therapy can preserve neuronal function and/orneuronal tissue, and/or prevent or delay a disability in a subject,e.g., an MS or AON subject as described herein. In certain embodiments,chronic or prophylactic administration of the reparative agent mayprevent the onset or delay the progressive form of the disease, e.g.,MS, for example, by reducing one or more of axonal/neuronal degenerationand/or axonal loss. In some embodiments, the method disclosed herein caninclude an administration of the anti-LINGO antibody molecule that isinitiated before the onset or relapse of one or more symptoms of MS, orthe inflammatory condition of the optic nerve, e.g., optic neuritis,e.g., AON, in one or both eyes of the subject. In other embodiments, themethod disclosed herein includes administration of the anti-LINGOantibody molecule during primary progressive MS, e.g., when progressionof MS begins without a preceeding relapse.

In one embodiment, administration of the antibody molecule againstLINGO-1 is chronic and/or prophylactic. In certain embodiments, theanti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule is administered prophylactically and/oradministration continues for a prolonged period of time, e.g.,administration continues until the incremental beneficial effects of thetreatment are reduced or not detectable (e.g., as detected by one ormore of: remyelination, reduction in neuronal damage, reduction ofdisability, or increased neurological function). In such embodiments,the antibody molecule is administered, as a monotherapy or a combinationtherapy, at about 0.3, 1.0, 3.0, 10, 30, 60, or 100 mg/kg, e.g., onceevery one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven,twelve, thirteen, fourteen or fifteen weeks by injection (e.g.,intravenous, subcutaneous, or intramuscular administration). In oneembodiment, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule is administered byintravenous or subcutaneous injection at about 1 to 100 mg/kg(typically, at about 3 mg/kg, about 10 mg/kg, about 30 mg/kg, about 50mg/kg or about 100 mg/kg), once every one, two, three, four or fiveweeks.

In other embodiments, the method disclosed herein is used to treat orprevent disease initiation or disease progression in a subject, e.g., asubject with AON or MS, e.g., a subject with a relapsing form of MS(RRMS) or a subject with primary progressive MS (PPMS), or secondaryprogressive MS (SPMS)). In certain embodiments, the reparative agent isan antibody molecule against LINGO-1 and is administered chronically orprophylactically, as a monotherapy or a combination therapy.

In one embodiment, administration, e.g., chronic or prophylacticadministration, of the agent occurs after a lesion (e.g., an MS or AONlesion), in an area that has not suffered detectable neuronal damage. Inone embodiment, the treatment occurs in an area prior to irreversibleneuronal damage. For example, the subject can have an AON diseased eyeand does not show a detectable symptom in the other eye (referred toherein as the “fellow eye” or “normal eye”). In certain embodiment, thesubject can be treated with the reparative agent (e.g., a LINGO-1antagonist), as a monotherapy or in combination, as a way of preventingor delaying the onset of the nerve disorder or condition in the normaleye or elsewhere in the brain or spinal cord (anywhere in the centralnervous system or CNS). Without wishing to be bound by theory, treatmentof a normal fellow eye after diagnosis of acute optic neuritis in afirst eye may delay or prevent one or more symptoms of neuritis in thenormal fellow eye or subsequent lesions or damage and/or loss of axonsin the visual pathway and elsewhere in the CNS.

In certain embodiments, administration of the reparative agent (e.g., aLINGO-1 antagonist, e.g., anti-LINGO antibody molecule) to the subjectprevents or delays the onset of the optic nerve disorder, e.g., acuteoptic neuritis, in either or both eyes.

In certain embodiments, administration of the reparative agent (e.g., aLINGO-1 antagonist, e.g., anti-LINGO antibody molecule) to the subjectdelays or prevents the onset or relapse of an MS symptom.

In yet other embodiments, administration of the reparative agent (e.g.,a LINGO-1 antagonist, e.g., anti-LINGO antibody molecule) to the subjectdelays one or more symptoms of MS or the optic nerve disorder by atleast a day, a week, a month, a year or longer.

In another embodiment, the subject is identified as having (e.g.,diagnosed with) the optic nerve disorder or condition, e.g., acute opticneuritis, in one or both eyes, but does not show an MS symptom (e.g., isa subject not diagnosed with MS or a subject that has MS but does notsuffer from a relapse or is not showing disease progression). In oneembodiment, prophylactic or chronic treatment of said subject with theoptic nerve disorder or condition, e.g., acute optic neuritis, delays orprevents the onset or relapse of an MS symptom. In one embodiment,administration of the reparative agent (e.g., a LINGO-1 antagonist,e.g., anti-LINGO antibody molecule) (e.g., prophylactic or chronictreatment) of said subject with the optic nerve disorder or condition,e.g., acute optic neuritis, delays or prevents the onset and/or relapseof PPMS or SPMS.

In certain embodiments, the methods described herein further includeidentifying a subject to be treated with the anti-LINGO-1 antibodymolecule, by detecting one or both of optic nerve damage or optic nervefunction for one or both eyes. In some embodiments, detection of atleast a minimal level of optic nerve damage in one eye or both eyes,and/or a delay in optic nerve conductance in said one eye or both eyesidentifies the subject as a subject to be treated. For example, the stepof measuring optic nerve damage can include a measure of visual evokedpotential (VEP) amplitude, e.g., full field VEP (FF-VEP) amplitudeand/or multi-field VEP (mfVEP) amplitude. In some embodiments,administration of an anti-LINGO antibody as described herein improvesrecovery of latency by mfVEP, and/or prevents an mfVEP amplitude loss inthe non-AON visual path: In certain embodiments, one or more of thefollowing is indicative of the minimal level of optic nerve damage inthe eye, e.g., as determined by mfVEP amplitude changes.

-   -   (i) an mfVEP amplitude of not more than 40 nanovolts lower than        a reference value, e.g., a control amplitude,    -   (ii) an mfVEP amplitude of not more than 20% lower than a        reference value, e.g., control amplitude, or    -   (iii) an mfVEP amplitude of 180 nanovolts or higher.

In certain embodiments, the control amplitude is the average VEPamplitude, e.g., FF-VEP amplitude and/or mfVEP amplitude, of a normaleye, e.g., an eye of a subject not having an optic nerve disorder, e.g.,AON.

In other embodiments, the step of measuring optic nerve conductancecomprises a measure of VEP latency, e.g., FF-VEP latency or mfVEPlatency measured in milliseconds. In some embodiments, one or more ofthe following is indicative of a delay in optic nerve conductance in theeye as determined by FF-VEP:

(i) a VEP latency that is at least 3 milliseconds higher than areference value, e.g., a control latency,

(ii) a VEP latency that is at least 3% higher (e.g., 3%, 5%, 8%, 10%,12% or higher) than a reference value, e.g., a control latency, or

(iii) an FF-VEP latency that is 110 milliseconds or higher,

(iv) an mfVEP latency that is 155 milliseconds or higher.

In certain embodiments, the control latency is the average VEP latency,e.g., FF-VEP latency or mfVEP latency, of a normal eye, e.g., an eye ofa subject not having an optic nerve disorder, e.g., AON, or thenon-affected or fellow eye from within the same subject if only one eyeis affected.

Additional embodiments, features or improvements of any of the methods,compositions and kits disclosed herein include one or more of thefollowing:

CNS Disorders and CNS Demyelinating Diseases

The CNS disorder (e.g., the CNS demyelinating disease) can be anycondition, disease, disorder or injury associated with one or more of:demyelination, dysmyelination, axonal injury, loss of axonal area oraxial diffusivity, or loss of neuronal synapsis/connectivity, and/ordysfunction or death of an oligodendrocyte or a neuronal cell. Incertain embodiments, the CNS disorder affects the nervous system bycausing damage to the myelin sheath of axons. In other embodiments, theCNS disorder includes Nogo receptor-1 (NgR1-) mediated inhibition ofaxonal extension or neurite extension, e.g., in the brain and spinalcord. In other embodiments, the CNS disorder has one or moreinflammatory components. Exemplary CNS disorders include, but are notlimited to, CNS demyelinating diseases, CNS injury, Amyotrophic lateralsclerosis (ALS), Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson'sdisease, diabetic neuropathy, idiopathic inflammatory demyelinatingdisease, multiple sclerosis (MS), optic neuritis (e.g., acute opticneuritis), transverse myelitis, neuromyelitis optica (NMO), vitamin B12deficiency, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML),encephalomyelitis (EPL), acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM),central pontine myelolysis (CPM), Wallerian Degeneration,adrenoleukodystrophy, Alexander's disease, Pelizaeus Merzbacher disease(PMZ), leukodystrophies, traumatic glaucoma, periventricularleukomalatia (PVL), essential tremor, white matter stroke, stroke, orradiation or toxic induced white matter injury. A CNS demyelinatingdisease can be chosen from one or more of the aforesaid disorders. Inone embodiment, the CNS demyelinating disease is multiple sclerosis. Inother embodiments, the CNS demyelinating disease is optic neuritis,e.g., acute optic neuritis.

Optic Neuritis

In certain embodiments, a method of treating or preventing aninflammatory condition or disorder of the optic nerve, e.g., opticneuritis (e.g., acute optic neuritis (AON)), in a subject (e.g., asubject in need of treatment) is disclosed. The method includesadministering to the subject a reparative agent (e.g., a LINGO-1antagonist), as a monotherapy or in combination with a second agent(e.g., an immunomodulatory agent as described herein) in an amountsufficient to reduce one or more manifestations associated with theoptic nerve condition or disorder, thereby treating or preventing theoptic nerve condition or disorder.

In certain embodiments, said treatment includes: reducing one or moresymptoms associated with the optic nerve condition or disorder;reducing, retarding or preventing a relapse, or the worsening of theoptic nerve condition or disorder; and/or inhibiting or retarding thedevelopment of a new lesion in the subject. In other embodiments, saidprevention includes delaying or ameliorating one or more symptoms orseverity of the optic nerve disorder or condition. In one embodiment,one or more symptoms associated with the optic nerve disorder orcondition (e.g., acute optic neuritis) includes one, two, three, four,five or more of visual loss, VEP latency delay (e.g., time for a signalto travel from the retina to the visual cortex), edema, inflammation,damage or demyelination of the myelin sheath covering the optic nerveand axons, loss of retinal fiber layer, or loss of retinal ganglion celllayer.

In certain embodiments, the treatment or prevention results in arecovery of VEP latency delay. In one embodiment, the recovery of thevisual evoked potential (VEP) latency, e.g., full-field VEP (FF-VEP) ormultifocal VEP (mfVEP), is partial or complete (e.g., at least 10%, 20%,30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100% that of the unaffected felloweye or the reference normal control VEP latency).

In certain embodiments, the treatment or prevention delays one or moresymptoms of the optic nerve disorder or condition, e.g., acute opticneuritis, by at least a day, a week, a month, 3 months, 6 months, a yearor longer.

In one embodiment, the treatment or prevention is initiated before theonset or relapse of one or more symptoms of the nerve disorder orcondition, e.g., acute optic neuritis. In one embodiment, the status ofa subject with AON is measured by determining the visual evokedpotential latency and amplitude.

Subjects

For any of the methods, compositions and kits disclosed herein, thesubject treated, is a subject (e.g., a human) having, or at risk ofhaving, a CNS disorder or a CNS demyelinating disease, e.g., asdescribed herein.

In certain embodiments, the subject is a human, e.g., a human adult. Inone embodiment, the subject is a human about 30 years old or older,e.g., at least 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 years old or older.

In one embodiment, the subject (e.g., the human) has, or is at risk ofhaving, MS. In one embodiment, the human subject has one or moresymptoms associated with MS (“an MS symptom”). The subject with MS canbe at any stage of treatment. In certain embodiments, the subject withMS is chosen from a human having one or more of: Benign M S, RRMS (e.g.,quiescent RRMS, active RRMS), primary progressive MS (PPMS), orsecondary progressive MS (SPMS), active SPMS, clinically isolatedsyndrome (CIS), or clinically defined MS (CDMS). In one embodiment, thesubject has a relapsing form of MS. In one embodiment, the subject hasRRMS or SPMS. In one embodiment, the subject with MS has SPMS. In oneembodiment, the subject with MS has RRMS. In other embodiments, thesubject has one or more MS-like symptoms, such as those havingclinically isolated syndrome (CIS) or clinically defined MS (CDMS). Inother embodiments, the subject has one or more MS relapses (e.g. acuteoptic neuritis, transverse myelitis, brainstem syndrome, internuclearophthalmoplegia).

In other embodiments, the subject does not yet have a symptom associatedwith MS, but is at risk for developing the disease. In one embodiment,the subject is asymptomatic at the time of treatment, e.g., initialtreatment. In some embodiments, the subject is not diagnosed with MS, oris diagnosed with MS but does not suffer from a relapse.

In one embodiment, the subject has a relapsing form of MS (e.g., RRMS orrelapsing SPMS). In one embodiment, the subject has RRMS and has one ormore ongoing clinical exacerbations and/or subclinical activity, e.g.,as shown by gadolinium (Gd) enhancement or development of new and/orenlarged T2/FLAIR lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (e.g., brain orspinal cord MRI). In another embodiment, the subject has SPMS and hasone or more ongoing clinical exacerbations and/or subclinical activity,e.g., as shown by gadolinium (Gd) enhancement or development of newand/or enlarged T2/FLAIR lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (e.g.,brain or spinal cord MRI). In one embodiment, the subject has an activeform of MS, e.g., an active RRMS. In other embodiments, the MS subjecthas at least one newly developed lesion. In other embodiment, the MSsubject has at least one pre-existing lesion. In one embodiment, thesubject has RRMS, and has one or more newly developed or pre-existinglesions, or a combination thereof. In other embodiments, the subject hasa baseline EDSS score of 1.5 to 7.

In one embodiment, the subject is an MS patient (e.g., a patient withRRMS or SPMS) prior to administration of an MS therapy (a monotherapy ora combination therapy of the agents described herein). In oneembodiment, the subject is a newly diagnosed or an undiagnosed RRMS orSPMS patient. In another embodiment, a subject has a radiologicallyisolated syndrome or clinically isolated syndrome. In yet anotherembodiment, a subject has an asymptomatic finding (e.g., does notpresent with MS symptoms, but has an MS associated finding noted ontesting). In another embodiment, the subject is an MS patient (e.g., anRRMS patient) after administration of an MS therapy described herein (amonotherapy or a combination therapy of the agents described herein). Inother embodiments, the subject is an MS patient after administration ofthe MS therapy for one, two weeks, one month, two months, three months,four months, six months, one year or more.

In other embodiments, the subject does not have a symptom associatedwith AON in one or both eyes. In one embodiment, the subject is notdiagnosed with the optic nerve disorder or condition, e.g., acute opticneuritis, in one or both eyes (e.g., has normal eyes).

In one embodiment, the subject is diagnosed with the optic nervedisorder or condition, e.g., acute optic neuritis, in one or both eyes,referred to herein as the “diseased eye(s).” In one embodiment, thesubject has a diseased eye and does not show a detectable symptom in theother eye (referred to herein as the “fellow eye” or “normal eye”). Inone embodiment, the subject is diagnosed with the optic nerve disorder,e.g., AON, in one or both eyes, but does not show an MS symptom. Incertain embodiment, the subject can be treated with the reparative agent(e.g., a LINGO-1 antagonist), as a monotherapy or in combination, as away of preventing or delaying the onset of the nerve disorder orcondition in the normal eye. Without wishing to be bound by theory,treatment of a normal fellow eye after diagnosis of acute optic neuritisin a first eye may delay or prevent one or more symptoms of neuritis inthe normal fellow eye or elsewhere in the brain. In certain embodiments,the treatment or prevention delays one or more symptoms of the opticnerve disorder or condition, e.g., acute optic neuritis, and/or MS by atleast a day, a week, a month, a year or longer.

Thus, in one embodiment, administration of the anti-LINGO-1 antibodymolecule to the subject treats the diseased eye. In related embodiments,administration of the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule delays or preventsthe onset of MS or the optic nerve disorder, e.g., AON, in the normalfellow eye, or elsewhere in the CNS.

In other embodiment, the subject is diagnosed with the optic nervedisorder or condition, e.g., acute optic neuritis, in one or both eyes,but does not show other MS symptoms (e.g., is a subject not diagnosedwith MS or a subject that has MS but does not suffer from a relapse oris not progressing). In one embodiment, treatment of said subject withthe optic nerve disorder or condition, e.g., acute optic neuritis,delays or prevents the onset or relapse of an MS symptom. In certainembodiments, the treatment or prevention delays one or more MS symptomsby at least a day, a week, a month, a year or longer.

In one embodiment, the reparative agent administered is a LINGO-1antagonist (e.g., an anti-LINGO antibody as described herein), as amonotherapy. In one embodiment, the reparative agent is an anti-LINGO-1antibody which is administered as a monotherapy in an amount rangingfrom about 0.3, 1.0, 3.0, 10, 30, 60, or 100 mg/kg. For example, betweenabout 3 to 100 mg/kg, 10 to 300 mg/kg, 20 to 250 mg/kg, 50 to 200 mg/kg,75 to 150 mg/kg, 90 to 120 mg/kg, or about 100 mg/kg.

In other embodiments, the reparative agent administered is a LINGO-1antagonist (e.g., an anti-LINGO antibody as described herein) incombination with a second agent (e.g., an immunomodulatory agent asdescribed herein). In one embodiment, the reparative agent is ananti-LINGO antibody which is administered as a combination therapy in anamount ranging from about 0.3, 1.0, 3.0, 10, 30, 60, or 100 mg/kg. Forexample, between about 3 to 100 mg/kg, 10 to 300 mg/kg, 20 to 250 mg/kg,50 to 200 mg/kg, 75 to 150 mg/kg, 90 to 120 mg/kg, or about 100 mg/kg.In one embodiment, the immunomodulatory agent is administered accordingto the standard of care for that agent. In another embodiment,administration of the LINGO-antagonist allows for administration of areduced amount of the immunomodulatory agent.

Reparative Agents

In certain embodiments, the reparative agent causes one or more of:enhances myelination or re-myelination, enhances neuroaxonal protection,increases axonal extension, increases neuronal sprouting, and/orincreases differentiated oligodendrocyte numbers (e.g., by increasingone or more of: survival or differentiation of oligodendrocytes), e.g.,in a subject (e.g., a subject in need thereof). The method includesadministering to the subject a reparative agent (e.g., a LINGO-1antagonist), as a monotherapy or in combination with an immunomodulatoryagent, in an amount sufficient to enhance one or more of: myelination,re-myelination, oligodendrocyte numbers, or neuroaxonal protection.

In one embodiment, the reparative agent is an antagonist of LRR and Igdomain-containing, Nogo receptor-interacting protein (“LINGO,” e.g.,LINGO-1). LINGO-1, previously called Sp35, is a cell surfaceglycoprotein that is selectively expressed in the adult CNS in neuronsand oligodendrocytes, where it is believed to function as a negativeregulator of oligodendrocyte differentiation, myelination, andremyelination. Thus, antagonism of LINGO-1 can enhance myelination orre-myelination of axons, e.g., by oligodendrocytes, and enhanceneuroaxonal protection in the CNS. LINGO-1 has been described inInternational Applications PCT/US2006/026271, filed Jul. 7, 2006,PCT/US2004/008323, filed Mar. 17, 2004, PCT/US2005/022881, filed Jun.24, 2005 and PCT/US2008/000316, filed Jan. 9, 2008, each of which isincorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

In one embodiment, the reparative agent, e.g., the LINGO-1 antagonist,inhibits or reduces the expression or activity of LINGO-1, e.g., humanLINGO-1.

In one embodiment, the reparative agent, e.g., the LINGO-1 antagonist,inhibits or reduces the formation and/or activity of a complex (e.g., afunctional signaling complex) of the NgR1, p75, and LINGO-1; and/orNgR1, TAJ (TROY), and LINGO-1. In another embodiment, the reparativeagent, e.g., the LINGO-1 antagonist, inhibits or reduces LINGO-1 bindingto NgR1.

In one embodiment, the reparative agent, e.g., the antagonist ofLINGO-1, is an antibody molecule. In one embodiment, the antibodymolecule reduces the formation and/or activity of a complex (e.g., afunctional signaling complex) of the NgR1, p75, and LINGO-1; and/orNgR1, TAJ (TROY), and LINGO-1. In one embodiment, the antibody moleculebinds to at least one of the components of the complex (e.g., at leastone of NgR1, p75, and LINGO-1; and/or NgR1, TAJ (TROY), and LINGO-1),and inhibits or reduces the functional signaling.

In one embodiment, the antibody molecule binds to LINGO, e.g., humanLINGO. In another embodiment, the antibody molecule binds to LINGO-1,e.g., human LINGO-1. The antibody molecule can be a monoclonal or singlespecificity antibody, or an antigen-binding fragment thereof (e.g., anFab, F(ab′)₂, Fv, a single chain Fv fragment, a single domain antibody,a diabody (dAb), a bivalent or bispecific antibody or fragment thereof,a single domain variant thereof) that binds to LINGO-1, e.g., amammalian (e.g., human LINGO-1 (or a functional variant thereof)). Inone embodiment, the antibody molecule is a monoclonal antibody againstLINGO-1, e.g., human LINGO-1. Typically, the antibody molecule is ahuman, a humanized, a CDR-grafted, a chimeric, a camelid, or an in vitrogenerated antibody to human LINGO-1 (or functional fragment thereof,e.g., an antibody fragment as described herein). Typically, the antibodyinhibits, reduces or neutralizes one or more activities of LINGO-1(e.g., one or more biological activities of LINGO-1 as describedherein).

The antibody molecule can be full-length (e.g., can include at leastone, and typically two, complete heavy chains, and at least one, andtypically two, complete light chains) or can include an antigen-bindingfragment (e.g., a Fab, an F(ab′)₂, an Fv, a single chain Fv fragment, ora single domain antibody or fragment thereof). In yet other embodiments,the antibody molecule has a heavy chain constant region chosen from,e.g., the heavy chain constant region of IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgM,IgA1, IgA2, IgD, and IgE; particularly, chosen from, e.g., the (e.g.,human) heavy chain constant regions of IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4. Inanother embodiment, the antibody molecule has a light chain constantregion chosen from, e.g., the (e.g., human) light chain constant regionsof kappa or lambda. The framework region or constant region of theantibody molecule can be altered, e.g., mutated, to modify theproperties of the antibody (e.g., to increase or decrease one or moreof: Fc receptor binding, antibody glycosylation, the number of cysteineresidues, effector cell function, and/or complement function). In oneembodiment, the framework or constant region of the antibody molecule isaltered, e.g., mutated, to decrease one or more of: Fc receptor binding,antibody glycosylation, the number of cysteine residues, effector cellfunction, and/or complement function. In one embodiment, the frameworkregion of the antibody molecule is modified to reduce antibodyglycosylation, effector cell and/or complement function. In oneembodiment, the antibody molecule includes an aglycosyl framework.

In another embodiment, the antibody molecule binds to LINGO-1, e.g.,human LINGO-1, and is an immunoglobulin G subclass 1 (IgG1). In certainembodiments, the antibody molecule is modified to reduce effector celland complement function compared to wild-type IgG1. In one embodiment,the antibody molecule includes an aglycosyl (IgG1) framework.

In certain embodiments, the antibody molecule specifically binds to thesame, or substantially the same, LINGO-1 epitope as the referencemonoclonal antibody Li62 or Li81, described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,058,406and 8,128,926, both of which are incorporated by reference in theirentirety herein. In an embodiment, the antibody molecule comprises,consists essentially of, or consists of, an immunoglobulin heavy chainvariable region (VH) wherein the CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 regions areselected from the amino acid sequences shown in Table 3, or an aminoacid sequence substantially identical thereto (e.g., an amino acidsequence at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical to the amino acidsequences shown in Table 3; or at least 80%, 85%, 90, 95% or 100%identical to the VH CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 regions of the immunoglobulinheavy chain of Li62 or Li81).

In some embodiments, the antibody molecule includes a VH that comprises,consists essentially of, or consists of, the amino acid sequence of SEQID NO: 4 or SEQ ID NO:8 or any one of SEQ ID NOs: 17 to 49, or an aminoacid sequence substantially identical thereto (e.g., an amino acidsequence at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical thereto).

In one embodiment, the antibody molecule includes a VH wherein the VHCDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of,the amino acids of SEQ ID NOs: 6, 7, and 8, respectively, or an aminoacid sequence substantially identical thereto (e.g., an amino acidsequence at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical thereto).

In one embodiment, the antibody molecule includes a VH wherein the VHCDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of,the amino acids of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 3, and 30, respectively, or an aminoacid sequence substantially identical thereto (e.g., an amino acidsequence at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical thereto).

In other embodiments, the antibody molecule includes an immunoglobulinlight chain variable region (VL) wherein the CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 regionsare selected from the polypeptide sequences shown in Table 4, or anamino acid sequence substantially identical thereto (e.g., an amino acidsequence at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical to the amino acidsequences shown in Table 4; or at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100%identical to the VL CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 regions of the immunoglobulinlight chain of Li62 or Li81).

In one embodiment, the antibody molecule includes a VL wherein the VLCDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of,the amino acids of SEQ ID NOs: 14, 15, and 16, respectively, or an aminoacid sequence substantially identical thereto (e.g., an amino acidsequence at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical thereto).

In one embodiment, the antibody molecule includes a VL wherein the VLCDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of,the amino acids of SEQ ID NOs: 10, 11, and 12, respectively, or an aminoacid sequence substantially identical thereto (e.g., an amino acidsequence at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical thereto).

In one embodiment, the antibody molecule includes a VH wherein the VHCDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of,the amino acids of SEQ ID NOs: 6, 7, and 8, respectively; and a VLwherein the VL CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 comprise, consist essentially of, orconsist of, the amino acids of SEQ ID NOs: 14, 15, and 16, respectively;or an amino acid sequence substantially identical thereto (e.g., anamino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical thereto).

In one embodiment, the antibody molecule includes a VH wherein the VHCDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of,the amino acids of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 3, and 30, respectively; and a VLwherein the VL CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 comprise, consist essentially of, orconsist of, the amino acids of SEQ ID NOs: 10, 11, and 12, respectively;or an amino acid sequence substantially identical thereto (e.g., anamino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical thereto).

In other embodiments, the antibody molecule includes a VH selected fromthe group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 5, and 53-85, or an amino acidsequence substantially identical thereto (e.g., an amino acid sequenceat least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical to said SEQ ID NOs: 1, 5 and53-85).

In one embodiment, the antibody molecule includes a VH that comprises,consists essentially of, or consists of, the amino acid sequence of SEQID NO: 5 or an amino acid sequence substantially identical thereto(e.g., an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical tosaid SEQ ID NO: 5).

In one embodiment, the antibody molecule includes a VH that comprises,consists essentially of, or consists of, the amino acid sequence of SEQID NO:66, or an amino acid sequence substantially identical thereto(e.g., an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical tosaid SEQ ID NO: 66).

In yet other embodiments, the antibody molecule includes a VL selectedfrom the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 9 and 13, as shown in Table 4,or an amino acid sequence substantially identical thereto (e.g., anamino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical to said SEQID NOs: 9 and 13, as shown in Table 4).

In one embodiment, the antibody molecule includes a VL that comprises,consists essentially of, or consists of, the amino acid sequence of SEQID NO:13, or an amino acid sequence substantially identical thereto(e.g., an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical tosaid SEQ ID NO: 13).

In one embodiment, the antibody molecule includes a VL that comprises,consists essentially of, or consists of, the amino acid sequence of SEQID NO:9, or an amino acid sequence substantially identical thereto(e.g., an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical tosaid SEQ ID NO: 9).

In one embodiment, the antibody molecule includes a VH that comprises,consists essentially of, or consists of, the amino acid sequence of SEQID NO:5, or an amino acid sequence substantially identical thereto(e.g., an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical tosaid SEQ ID NO: 5); and a VL that comprises, consists essentially of, orconsists of, the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13, or an amino acidsequence substantially identical thereto (e.g., an amino acid sequenceat least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical to said SEQ ID NO: 13).

In one embodiment, the antibody molecule includes a VH that comprises,consists essentially of, or consists of, the amino acid sequence of SEQID NO:66, or an amino acid sequence substantially identical thereto(e.g., an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical tosaid SEQ ID NO: 66); and a VL that comprises, consists essentially of,or consists of, the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9, or an aminoacid sequence substantially identical thereto (e.g., an amino acidsequence at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical to said SEQ ID NO: 9).

In another embodiment, the antibody molecule includes a heavy chain asshown below, that comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of,the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 275, or a sequence substantiallyidentical thereto (e.g., an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%or 95% identical thereto), as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 275) EVQLLESGGG LVQPGGSLRL SCAASGFTFS AYEMKWVRQAPGKGLEWVSV IGPSGGFTFY ADSVKGRFTI SRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAED TAVYYCATEG DNDAFDIWGQ GTTVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLA PSSKSTSGGT AALGCLVKDY FPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHT FPAVLQSSGL YSLSSVVTVP SSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNT KVDKKVEPKS CDKTHTCPPC PAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKD TLMISRTPEV TCVVVDVSHE DPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKT KPREEQYNSA YRVVSVLTVL HQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALP APIEKTISKA KGQPREPQVY TLPPSRDELTKNQVSLTCLV KGFYPSDIAV EWESNGQPEN NYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSK LTVDKSRWQQ GNVFSCSVMH EALHNHYTQK SLSLSPG.

In other embodiments, the antibody molecule comprises, consistsessentially of, or consists of, a light chain as shown below, comprisingthe amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 276, or a sequence substantiallyidentical thereto (e.g., an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%or 95% identical thereto), as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 276) DIQMTQSPAT LSLSPGERAT LSCRASQSVS SYLAWYQQKPGQAPRLLIYD ASNRATGIPA RFSGSGSGTD FTLTISSLEPEDFAVYYCQQ RSNWPMYTFG QGTKLEIKRT VAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGT ASVVCLLNNF YPREAKVQWK VDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSK DSTYSLSSTL TLSKADYEKH KVYACEVTHQ GLSSPVTKSF NRGEC.

In one embodiment, the antibody molecule is the anti-LINGO-1 antibody,opicinumab (also referred to herein as “BIIB033”). In one embodiment,the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule comprises (i) a heavy chaincomprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of, the amino acidsequence of SEQ ID NO: 275, and (ii) a light chain comprising,consisting essentially of, or consisting of, the amino acid sequence ofSEQ ID NO: 276.

In another embodiment, the reparative agent, e.g., the antagonist ofLINGO-1, is a soluble LINGO molecule, e.g., a LINGO-1 molecule (e.g., afragment of LINGO-1), or a soluble form of a component of the LINGO-1complex (e.g., a soluble form of NgR1, p75, or TAJ (TROY)).

A soluble form of LINGO or a complex component can be used alone orfunctionally linked (e.g., by chemical coupling, genetic or polypeptidefusion, non-covalent association or otherwise) to a second moiety, e.g.,an immunoglobulin Fc domain, serum albumin, pegylation, a GST, Lex-A, anMBP polypeptide sequence, or an antibody (e.g., a bispecific or amultispecific antibody). The fusion proteins may additionally include alinker sequence joining the first moiety, e.g., the soluble form ofLINGO-1 or the complex component, to the second moiety. In otherembodiments, additional amino acid sequences can be added to the N- orC-terminus of the fusion protein to facilitate expression, stericflexibility, detection and/or isolation or purification. For example, asoluble form of LINGO-1 or a complex component can be fused to a heavychain constant region of the various isotypes, including: IgG1, IgG2,IgG3, IgG4, IgM, IgA1, IgA2, IgD, and IgE. Typically, the fusion proteincan include the extracellular domain of LINGO or the complex component(or a sequence homologous thereto), and, e.g., fused to, a humanimmunoglobulin Fc chain, e.g., a human IgG (e.g., a human IgG1 or ahuman IgG2, or a mutated form thereof). The Fc sequence can be mutatedat one or more amino acids to reduce effector cell function, Fc receptorbinding and/or complement activity.

In another embodiment, one or more reparative agents are added incombination. For example, a LINGO-1 antagonist can be added incombination with another remyelinating agent.

Immunomodulatory Agents

The methods, kits and compositions described herein can include one ormore immunomodulatory agents. In certain embodiments, theimmunomodulatory agent is chosen from one or more of:

an IFN-β 1 molecule;

a polymer of glutamic acid, lysine, alanine and tyrosine, e.g.,glatiramer (e.g., Copaxone®);

an antibody or fragment thereof against alpha-4 integrin, e.g.,natalizumab (e.g., Tysabri®);

an anthracenedione molecule, e.g., mitoxantrone (e.g., Novantrone®);

a fingolimod, e.g., FTY720 (e.g., Gilenya®);

a dimethyl fumarate, e.g., an oral dimethyl fumarate (e.g., Tecfidera®);

an antibody to the alpha subunit of the IL-2 receptor of T cells (CD25),e.g., daclizumab;

an antibody against CD52, e.g., alemtuzumab (e.g., CAMPATH);

an inhibitor of a dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, e.g., leflunomide or anactive metabolite thereof, e.g., teriflunomide (e.g., AUBAGIO);

an antibody to CD20, e.g., rituximab, or ocrelizumab;

a Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) modulating agent, e.g., as described inWO 2012/109108; or

a corticosteroid.

In one embodiment, the immunomodulatory agent is an IFN-β 1 molecule.The IFN-β 1 molecule can be chosen from one or more of an IFN-β1a orIFN-β 1b polypeptide, a variant, a homologue, a fragment or a pegylatedvariant thereof.

In one embodiment, the IFN-β 1 molecule includes an IFNβ agent chosenfrom an IFN-β1a molecule, an IFN-β1b molecule, or a pegylated variant ofan IFN-β1a molecule or an IFN-β 1b molecule.

In one embodiment, the IFNβ1 molecule is an IFN-β1a agent (e.g.,Avonex®, Rebif®). In another embodiment, the IFNβ1 molecule is anINF-β1b agent (e.g., Betaseron®, Betaferon® or Extavia®).

In one embodiment, the immunomodulatory agent is a polymer of glutamicacid, lysine, alanine and tyrosine, e.g., glatiramer (e.g., Copaxone®).

In one embodiment, the immunomodulatory agent is an antibody or fragmentthereof against alpha-4 integrin (e.g., natalizumab (e.g., Tysabri®)).

In yet other embodiments, the immunomodulatory agent is ananthracenedione molecule (e.g., mitoxantrone (e.g., Novantrone®)).

In yet another embodiment, the immunomodulatory agent is a fingolimod(e.g., FTY720; e.g., Gilenya®).

In one embodiment, the immunomodulatory agent is a dimethyl fumarate(e.g., an oral dimethyl fumarate (e.g., BG-12)).

In other embodiments, the immunomodulatory agent is an antibody to thealpha subunit of the IL-2 receptor of T cells (CD25) (e.g., Daclizumab).

In other embodiments, the immunomodulatory agent is an antibody to CD20,e.g., ocrelizumab.

In other embodiments, the immunomodulatory agent is a corticosteroid,e.g., methylprednisolone (e.g., high dose corticosteroid, e.g.,methylprednisolone).

In certain embodiments, the method further includes the use of one ormore symptom management therapies, such as antidepressants, analgesics,anti-tremor agents, among others.

Any combination of the reparative agent (e.g., one or more reparativeagents described herein, e.g., a LINGO-1 antagonist) and animmunomodulatory agent (e.g., one or more immunomodulatory agentsdescribed herein) can be used in the methods, kits and compositionsdescribed herein. For example, the reparative agent can be combined witha polymer of glutamic acid, lysine, alanine and tyrosine, e.g.,glatiramer. In other embodiments, the reparative agent can be combinedwith an antibody or fragment thereof against alpha-4 integrin, e.g.,natalizumab. In yet another embodiment, the reparative agent can becombined with an anthracenedione molecule, e.g., mitoxantrone. In yetanother embodiment, the reparative agent can be combined with afingolimod, e.g., FTY720. In yet another embodiment, the reparativeagent can be combined with a dimethyl fumarate, e.g., an oral dimethylfumarate. In other embodiments, the reparative agent can be combinedwith an antibody to the alpha subunit of the IL-2 receptor of T cells(CD25), e.g., daclizumab. In yet another embodiment, the reparativeagent can be combined with an antibody against CD52, e.g., alemtuzumab.In yet another embodiment, the reparative agent can be combined with aninhibitor of a dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, e.g., teriflunomide. Inanother embodiment, the reparative agent can be combined with anantibody to CD20, e.g., ocrelizumab. In another embodiment, thereparative agent can be combined with a corticosteroid, e.g.,methylprednisolone. In one embodiment, the reparative agent can becombined with a S1P modulating agent.

In other embodiment, the reparative agent is combined with two, three,four or more immunomodulatory agents, e.g., two, three, four or more ofthe immunomodulatory agents described herein. In one exemplaryembodiment, a combination of a LINGO antagonist, an IFN-β 1 molecule anda corticosteroid is used. In other embodiments, a combination of a LINGOantagonist, an IFN-β 1 molecule and a polymer of glutamic acid, lysine,alanine and tyrosine, e.g., glatiramer, is used. In yet otherembodiments, a combination of a LINGO antagonist, an IFN-β 1 moleculeand an antibody or fragment thereof against alpha-4 integrin, e.g.,natalizumab, is used.

In certain embodiment of the methods, kits and compositions describedherein, the reparative agent is an antibody molecule against LINGO-1,e.g., an anti-LINGO antibody as described herein, and theimmunosuppressive agent is an IFN-β 1 molecule, e.g., an IFN-β1 moleculeas described herein.

Monotherapy and Combination Therapy; Timing of Administration

The reparative agent can be administered as a monotherapy or acombination therapy. The combinations of reparative agent (e.g., LINGO-1antagonist) and the immunomodulatory agent described herein can beadministered in any order, e.g., concurrently or sequentially asdescribed herein. In one embodiment, the reparative agent and theimmunomodulatory agent are administered concurrently. In anotherembodiment, the reparative agent and the immunomodulatory agent areadministered sequentially. For example, the administration of thereparative agent and the immunomodulatory agent can overlap, at least inpart or completely, with each other.

In certain embodiments, initiation of the administration of theimmunomodulatory agent and the reparative agent occurs at the same time.In other embodiments, the immunomodulatory agent is administered beforeinitiating treatment with the reparative agent. In yet otherembodiments, the reparative agent is administered before initiatingtreatment with the immunomodulatory agent. In another embodiment, theadministration of the immunomodulatory agent continues after cessationof administration of the reparative agent. In other embodiments,administration of the reparative agent continues after cessation ofadministration of the immunomodulatory agent. In other embodiments,administration of the reparative agent continues intermittently (e.g.,for 2 or 3 months every 3 or 6 or 12 months, or for 3-6 months every 1-2years) while the immunomodulatory agent is given continuously. In otherembodiments, administration of the immunomodulatory agent continuesintermittently (e.g., for 2 or 3 months every 3 or 6 or 12 months, orfor 3-6 months every 1-2 years), while the reparative agent is givencontinuously, e.g., as background therapy.

In certain embodiments, the reparative agent is an antibody moleculeagainst LINGO-1 and is administered, as a monotherapy or a combinationtherapy, intravenously, subcutaneously or intramuscularly. In oneembodiment, the antibody molecule is administered intravenously. In suchembodiments, the antibody molecule is administered, as a monotherapy ora combination therapy, at about 0.3, 1.0, 3.0, 10, 30, 60, or 100 mg/kg.For example, between about 1 to 150 mg/kg, e.g., 3 to 100 mg/kg(typically, at about 3 mg/kg, about 10 mg/kg, about 30 mg/kg, about 50mg/kg or about 100 mg/kg). In some embodiments, the antibody molecule isadministered once every one, two, three, four or five weeks by IVinfusion. In one embodiment, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule isadministered at about 100 mg/kg via IV infusion or SC injection onceevery 4 weeks. In one embodiment, the administration of the anti-LINGO-1antibody molecule is acute, e.g., it is administered less than 2 weeksafter an acute MS lesion (e.g., any lesion in MS, a relapse or AON). Inone embodiment, the acute administration is less than 2 weeks or 1 weekafter the acute MS lesion (e.g., less than 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6,5, 4, 3, 2, 1 day, or hours after the acute MS lesion). In oneembodiment, administration is chronic, e.g., is administeredprophylactically and/or administration continues for a prolonged periodof time, e.g., administration continues until the beneficial effects ofthe treatment (e.g., as detected by remyelination or reduction inneuronal damage) are reduces or not detectable.

In certain embodiments, the immunomodulatory agent is an IFN-β 1molecule is administered intravenously, subcutaneously orintramuscularly. For example, the IFN-β 1 molecule can be administeredat one or more of:

(i) at 20-45 microgram (e.g., 30 microgram), e.g., once a week viaintramuscular injection;

(ii) at 20-30 microgram (e.g., 22 microgram), e.g., three times a week,or at 40-50 micrograms (e.g., 44 micrograms), e.g., once a week, viasubcutaneous injection; or

(iii) in an amount of between 10 and 50 μg intramuscularly, e.g., threetimes a week, or every five to ten days, e.g., once a week; or

(iv) in an amount between 200 and 600 μg (e.g., between 250 and 500 μg),e.g., every other day, via subcutaneous injection. In one embodiment,the IFN-β 1 molecule is an interferon β-1b (Betaseron®/Betaferon®, orExtavia®).

In other embodiments, the reparative agent is an antibody moleculeagainst LINGO-1 and is administered once every four weeks by IV infusionor SC injection dosed at about 3 mg/kg, about 10 mg/kg, about 30 mg/kg,50 mg/kg or about 100 mg/kg; and

the immunomodulatory agent the IFN-β 1 is administered at one or moreof:

(i) at 20-45 microgram (e.g., 30 microgram), e.g., once a week viaintramuscular injection;

(ii) at 20-30 microgram (e.g., 22 microgram), e.g., three times a week,or at 40-50 micrograms (e.g., 44 micrograms), e.g., once a week, viasubcutaneous injection; or

(iii) in an amount of between 10 and 50 μg intramuscularly, e.g., threetimes a week, or every five to ten days, e.g., once a week.

Subject Monitoring

Alternatively, or in combination, with the methods disclosed herein, amethod of evaluating, diagnosing, and/or monitoring the progression of,a CNS disorder or a CNS demyelinating disease is disclosed. The methodincludes evaluating a subject (e.g., a patient, a patient group or apatient population), having the CNS disorder or CNS demyelinatingdisease, or at risk of developing the disorder. In one embodiment, thesubject is evaluated using (i) a neurological examination (e.g., EDSS);and/or (ii) an assessment of physical function. For example, anassessment of physical function can include an assessment of ambulatoryfunction (e.g., short distance and/or longer distance ambulatoryfunction), alone or in combination with an assessment of upper and/orlower extremity function.

In certain embodiments, the subject is evaluated by one or more of:

performing a neurological examination;

acquiring the subject's status on the Expanded Disability Status Scale(EDSS);acquiring the subject's status on the Multiple Sclerosis FunctionalComposite (MSFC);detecting the subject's lesion status, e.g., as assessed using an MRI;acquiring a measure of upper and/or lower extremity function;acquiring a measure of ambulatory function (e.g., short distanceambulatory function) (e.g., Timed Walk of 25 Feet (T25FW)); or longdistance ambulatory function (e.g. the 6 minute walk test (6MW);

acquiring a measure of cognitive function (e.g., an MS-COG or BICAMS orSDMT); or

acquiring an assessment of visual function.

In one embodiment, the measure of upper extremity function is acquiredusing a 9 Hole Peg Test (9HP).

In other embodiments, the measure of short distance ambulatory functionis acquired using a Timed Walk of 25 Feet (T25FW).

In other embodiments, the measure of long distance ambulatory functionis acquired using a 6 minute walk test (6MW).

In certain embodiments, an increase by at least 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% orhigher in a measure of extremity and/or ambulatory function isindicative of disease progression, e.g., a steady worsening of symptomsand/or disability, in the subject; and a decrease of at least 10%, 15%,20%, 25% or more in a measure of extremity and/or ambulatory function asdescribed above is indicative of an improved outcome (e.g., a decreasein disease progression or an improved condition) in the subject.

In certain embodiments, the subject is evaluated using a neurologicalexamination, e.g., EDSS. In some embodiments, the EDSS includes anassessment of neurological function, an assessment of ambulatoryfunction, or both. In one embodiment, an EDSS score is calculated basedon a combination of one or more scores for the EDSS functional systems(FS) (e.g., one, two, three, four, five, six, or all seven individualscores for the EDSS FS chosen from visual, brainstem, cerebellar, motor,sensory, bladder/bowel or cognitive systems). In other embodiments, theEDSS includes a score for ambulation. In one embodiment, the EDSSincludes a determination of a subject's ambulation that includes anassessment of one or more (or all) of: Unrestricted ambulation, e.g.,without aid or rest for a predetermined distance (e.g., a distancegreater or equal to 500, 300, 200, or 100 meters, or less than 200 or100 meters); unilateral assistance; bilateral assistance; essentially orfully restricted to a wheelchair; or essentially or fully restricted toa bed.

In one embodiment, the assessment of visual function is acquired by oneor more of: e.g., visual acuity (e.g., low-contrast letter acuity (LCLA)or high contrast visual acuity), Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ), a10-Item Neuro-Ophthalmic Supplement (NOS-10), Functional Acuity ContrastTesting (FACT), VEPs, such as FF-VEP or mfVEP (described e.g., inMacKay, A M (2008) Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 49(1):438-41), opticalcoherence tomography (OCT), some of which are described in, e.g., Balceret al. (2010) Neurology 74 Suppl 3:S16-23; Bock, M. et al. (2012) Br JOphthalmol. 96(1):62-7).

In yet other embodiments, the measure of cognitive function comprises anevaluation of a learning test, a memory test and/or anattention/processing speed test. For example, the measure of cognitivefunction can include an evaluation of one or more of auditory memory,verbal learning and/or remembering visual information (e.g., SelectiveReminding Test (SRT)); tests for evaluating auditory/verbal memory(e.g., California Verbal Learning Test Second Edition (CVLT2)), the ReyAuditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT); tests for evaluatingvisual/spatial memory (e.g., Brief Visuospatial Memory Test Revised(BVMTR)); processing speed cognitive tests, e.g., Paced Auditory SerialAddition Test (PASAT), Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT);MSNQ-information, MSNQ-subject, and/or SF-36. In one embodiment, themeasure of cognitive function is performed using a composite of MScognitive endpoint that comprises SDMT, PASAT-3 and -3, SRT-TotalLearned (SRT-TL), SRT Delayed Recall (SRT-DR), and BVMTR Delayed Recall(BVMTR-DR) (e.g., MS-COG as described in Cadavid et al, 29^(th) CongressEuropean Committee for Treatment and Research in MS (ECTRIMS), 2-5 Oct.2013).

In certain embodiments, the subject's lesion status is evaluated usingmagnetic resonance imaging. In one embodiment, the magnetic resonanceimaging comprises magnetization transfer ration and/or diffusion tensorimaging.

In certain embodiments, an improvement in the subject is defined by oneor more of:

a. ≥1.0 point decrease in EDSS from a baseline score of ≤6.0;

b. ≥15% improvement from baseline in T25FW;

c. ≥15% improvement from baseline in 9HPT; or

d. ≥10% (e.g., 10%, 12%, 20%, 30%) improvement from baseline in PASAT orSDMT.

In other embodiments, the method further includes one or more of thefollowing:

(i) identifying the subject as being in need of a therapy, e.g., atherapy as described herein;

(ii) identifying the subject as having an increased or a decreasedresponse to a therapy, e.g., a therapy as described herein;

(iii) identifying the subject as being stable, as showing an improvementin function or abilities (e.g., as being a disease non-progressor), orshowing a decline in function or abilities (e.g., as being a diseaseprogressor);

(iv) diagnosing, and/or prognosing the subject.

The steps in the methods described herein (e.g., administration of thereparative agent and immunomodulatory agent (“administration step”), andsubject monitoring and/or evaluating (“evaluating step”) can beperformed in any order. In one embodiment, the administration stepoccurs prior to the evaluating step. In another embodiment, theevaluating step occurs prior to the administration step.

In another aspect, the invention features a method of evaluating, e.g.,diagnosing, a subject at risk of developing, a CNS demyelinatingdisorder (e.g., multiple sclerosis or optic neuritis, or both). Themethod includes acquiring a measure (e.g., detecting or measuring), oneor both of optic nerve damage or optic nerve conductance for one or botheyes of the subject, wherein the presence of optic nerve damage and/or adelay in optic nerve conductance in one or both eyes indicates that thesubject is at risk for developing the CNS demyelinating disorder.

In one embodiment, the subject has not been diagnosed with multiplesclerosis according to one or more of:

performing a neurological examination;

acquiring the subject's status on the Expanded Disability Status Scale(EDSS);

acquiring the subject's status on the Multiple Sclerosis FunctionalComposite (MSFC);

detecting the subject's lesion status;

acquiring a measure of upper and/or lower extremity function;

acquiring a measure of short distance ambulatory function;

acquiring a measure of long distance ambulatory function; or

acquiring a measure of cognitive function.

In certain embodiments, the step of acquiring the measure of optic nervedamage comprises measuring visual evoked potential (VEP) amplitude,e.g., full field VEP (FF-VEP) amplitude and/or multi-field VEP (mfVEP)amplitude. In one embodiment, an mfVEP amplitude that is (i) at least 40nanovolts lower than a control amplitude, (ii) at least 20% lower than acontrol amplitude, or (iii) less than or equal to 180 nanovolts,indicates the presence of optic nerve damage in the eye(s) of thesubject. The control amplitude can be the average VEP amplitude, e.g.,FF-VEP amplitude and/or mfVEP amplitude, of a normal eye, e.g., an eyeof a subject not having an optic nerve disorder or condition, e.g.,acute optic neuritis.

In other embodiments, the step of of acquiring the measure of opticnerve conductance comprises measuring VEP latency, e.g., FF-VEP latencyor mfVEP latency. In some embodiments, a VEP latency (i) that is atleast 3 milliseconds higher than a control latency, or (ii) that is atleast 3% higher than a control latency; or (iii) an FF-VEP latency thatis 110 milliseconds or higher, or (iv) an mfVEP latency that is 155milliseconds or higher, indicates a delay in optic nerve conductance inthe eye. In yet other embodiments, the control latency is the averageVEP latency, e.g., FF-VEP latency or mfVEP latency, of a normal eye,e.g., an eye of a subject not having an optic nerve disorder orcondition, e.g., acute optic neuritis.

Kits and Compositions

In another aspect, the invention features a kit that includes areparative agent (e.g., a LINGO-1 antagonist, e.g., an anti-LINGO-1antibody molecule as described herein). Optionally, the kit is labeledand/or contains instructions for use in treating or preventing a CNSdisorder, e.g., a CNS demyelinating disease as described herein. In oneembodiment, the LINGO-1 antagonist is instructed to be administered atone, two or all of the following:

(i) prior to the onset or relapse of one or more symptoms of the CNSdemyelinating disease;

(ii) within 7 days after the onset or relapse of one or more symptoms ofthe CNS demyelinating disease (e.g., to enhance neuroprotection); or

(iii) within 30 days after the onset or relapse of one or more symptomsof the CNS demyelinating disease (e.g., to enhance remyelination).

In one embodiment, the kit further comprises a second agent, e.g., asecond agent as described herein (e.g., an IFN-β 1 molecule) to beadministered in combination with the LINGO-1 antagonist.

In yet another aspect, the invention features a composition (e.g., apackaged composition) that includes a reparative agent (e.g., a LINGO-1antagonist, e.g., an anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule as describedherein). Optionally, the composition is labeled and/or containsinstructions for use of the reparative agent in treating or preventing aCNS disorder, e.g., a CNS demyelinating disease. In one embodiment, theLINGO-1 antagonist is instructed to be administered at one, two or allof the following:

(i) prior to the onset or relapse of one or more symptoms of the CNSdemyelinating disease;

(ii) within 7 days after the onset or relapse of one or more symptoms ofthe CNS demyelinating disease (e.g., to enhance neuroprotection); or

(iii) within 30 days after the onset or relapse of one or more symptomsof the CNS demyelinating disease (e.g., to enhance remyelination).

In one embodiment, the composition further comprises a second agent,e.g., a second agent as described herein (e.g., an IFN-β 1 molecule) tobe administered in combination with the LINGO-1 antagonist.

The LINGO-1 antagonist and/or the immunomodulatory agent of thecompositions, kits and packaged compositions described herein can be ina form suitable for any route of administration, e.g., peripheraladministration (e.g., intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular,intravitreal, intrathecal, or oral administration). The route ofadministration can be the same or different depending on the compositionused. In one embodiment, the packaged pharmaceutical compositionincludes a LINGO-1 antagonist (e.g., an antibody against LINGO-1) in aform or preparation suitable for intravenous administration. In anotherembodiment, the packaged pharmaceutical composition includes animmunomodulatory agent (e.g., an interferon) in a form or preparationsuitable for intramuscular administration. One or more agents can beincluded in the packaged pharmaceutical composition.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materialssimilar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in thepractice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods andmaterials are described below. All publications, patent applications,patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated byreference in their entirety. In addition, the materials, methods, andexamples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thedetailed description, drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts the region of interest (ROI) selection for thequantification of optic nerve axonal density in the mouse model ofexperimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).

FIG. 2A is a line graph showing the survival curve of EAE mice treatedwith vehicle or anti-LINGO-1 antibody. FIG. 2B is a line graph showingthe development of complete paraplegia in EAE mice treated with vehicleor anti-LINGO-1 antagonist.

FIGS. 3A-3F contain images of the coronal optic nerve diffusion imagingin mouse EAE. Diffusion direction is indicated by the small arrows. Theright optic nerve location is indicated by the large arrows. FIG. 3A isan image of a T2 weighted localizer scan. FIG. 3B is an image of adiffusion weighted image perpendicular to the optic nerve. FIG. 3C is animage of a diffusion weighted scan parallel to the optic nerve. FIG. 3Dis an image of a diffusion weighted image perpendicular to the opticnerve. FIG. 3E is an enlargement of the optic nerve image of FIG. 3B.FIG. 3F is an enlargement of the optic nerve image of FIG. 3D.

FIG. 4 is a bar graph depicting the optic nerve integrity analyzed bydiffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in mouse EAE.

FIG. 5 depicts the histological analysis of the optic nerve in EAE micetreated with vehicle or anti-LINGO-1 antibody or healthy mice.

FIG. 6 depicts the measurement of axonal loss in the optic nerve in EAEmice treated with vehicle or anti-LINGO-1 antibody or healthy mice. FIG.6 includes measurements of optic nerve area (μm²), average central axonarea (μm²), total central axon count, total peripheral axon count, totalcentral axo-plasmal area (μm²), and total peripheral axo-plasmal area(μm²).

FIG. 7 depicts histological analysis of sections of optic nerve detectedby anti-βIII tubulin staining and DAPI, respectively, after thefollowing treatments: treatment group (Veh+control Antibody),methylprednisolone (MP), anti-LINGO-1 antibody, and MP+anti-LINGO-1antibody.

FIG. 8 is a bar graph reflecting the axonal segment count/field in thetreatment groups indicated. The anti-LINGO-1 monoclonal antibodytreatment group (Veh+anti-LINGO-1 monoclonal antibody) showed 5-foldhigher axonal numbers, suggesting that anti-LINGO-1 monoclonal antibodytreatment prevented axonal loss (FIG. 8). The combination treatmentgroup (MP+anti-LINGO-1 monoclonal antibody) showed an 8-fold increase inaxonal numbers compared with the control treatment group (Veh+controlAntibody.

FIG. 9 is a schematic showing a clinical trial design (RENEW trialClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01721161).

FIG. 10 is a diagram depticting the nine sectors (corresponding to theearly treatment diabetic retinopathy grid) used to calculate averageretinal ganglion cell layer thickness.

FIG. 11 is a chart showing rates of withdrawal and treatmentdiscontinuation in the clinical trial.

FIG. 12 is a bar graph showing the adjusted mean change in optic nerveconduction latency (measured by FF-VEP) in the affected eye comparedwith the unaffected fellow eye at baseline in the PP and ITT populationsat week 32 (by MMRM) in the RENEW trial. The left bar of each set ofbars refers to the placebo group, and the right bar of each set of barsrefers to the anti-LINGO-1 group.

FIG. 13 is a bar graph showing the mean RGCL/IPL thickness at each visit(measured by SD-OCT) in the affected eye in the ITT population up toweek 32 in the RENEW trial. The left bar of each set of bars refers tothe placebo group, and the right bar of each set of bars refers to theanti-LINGO-1 group.

FIG. 14 is a bar graph showing the mean RGCL/IPL thickness at each visit(measured by SD-OCT) in the affected eye in the PP population up to week32 in the RENEW trial. The left bar of each set of bars refers to theplacebo group, and the right bar of each set of bars refers to theanti-LINGO-1 group.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are bar graphs showing the adjusted mean change inRGCL/IPL thickness in the affected eye in the PP population at 4 weeks(A) and 24 weeks (B). The left bar of each set of bars refers to thegroup with FF-VEP latency recovery, and the right bar of each set ofbars refers to the group without FF-VEP latency recovery.

FIGS. 16A and 16B are bar graphs showing the adjusted mean change inoptic nerve conduction latency (measured by FF-VEP) in the affected eyecompared with the unaffected fellow eye at baseline in the PPpopulations in the RENEW trial in subjects <33 years old (A) and insubjects ≥33 years old (B). The left bar of each set of bars refers tothe placebo group, and the right bar of each set of bars refers to theanti-LINGO-1 group.

FIG. 17 is a diagram depicting exemplary individual segments assessedusing multifocal visual evoked potentials (mfVEP).

FIGS. 18A and 18B are bar graphs showing the adjusted mean change inmfVEP latency compared with FF-VEP latency at week 24 in the affectedeye compared with the unaffected fellow eye at baseline (by ANCOVA).CI=confidence interval; FF-VEP=full-field visual evoked potentials;ITT=intent-to-treat; mfVEP=multifocal visual evoked potentials;PP=per-protocol in the RENEW trial. The left bar of each set of barsrefers to the placebo group, and the right bar of each set of barsrefers to the anti-LINGO-1 group. mfVEP latency is shown in 18A andFF-VEP latency is shown in 18B.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are bar graphs showing the adjusted mean differencesin mfVEP latency and amplitude at week 24 in subjects classified ashaving latency recovery using the primary endpoint measure, FF-VEP*.CI=confidence interval; FF-VEP=full-field visual evoked potentials;mfVEP=multifocal visual evoked potentials; *FF-VEP latency recovery wasdefined as affected eye FF-VEP latency ≤10% worse than the fellow eye;FF-VEP latency was the primary endpoint in the RENEW trial. The adjustedmean difference in mfVEP latency is shown in 19A and the adjusted meandifference in mfVEP amplitude is shown in 19B.

FIG. 20 is a bar graph showing mfVEP data for the unaffected fellow eye(mfVEP fellow eye average amplitude by treatment group-ITT analysis),demonstrating preservation of amplitude with anti-LINGO-1 treatment. Theleft bar of each set of bars refers to the placebo group, and the rightbar of each set of bars refers to the anti-LINGO-1 group.

FIG. 21 is a series of heatmaps depicting the mean change in MF-VEPamplitude (nV) in the affected eye from baseline of the affected eyeduring treatment with anti-LINGO-1 antibody over 32 weeks.

FIG. 22 is a series of heatmaps depicting the mean change in MF-VEPamplitude (nV) in the unaffected eye from baseline of the unaffected eyeduring treatment with anti-LINGO-1 antibody over 32 weeks.

FIGS. 23A, 23B, and 23C are graphs showing the change from baseline inmean (A) NEI VFQ-25 composite; (B) NOS-10; and (C) combined NEI VFQ-25and NOS-10 composite scores to week 24 as analyzed by MMRM in the RENEWtrial.

FIG. 24 is a bar graph showing the percentage of patients with change inNEI VFQ-25 composite score who declined by ≥4 points, sustained ≤4points, or improved ≥4 points from baseline at week 24 in the RENEWtrial. The left bar of each set of bars refers to the placebo group, andthe right bar of each set of bars refers to the anti-LINGO-1 group.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is based, at least in part, on the discovery that areparative agent (an anti-LINGO-1 antibody) is capable of increasing theremyelination of an optic nerve in patients after an onset (e.g., afirst attack) of acute optic neuritis (AON), as well as preventing(e.g., delaying) the onset of new disease in the visual pathways servedby both the normal (unaffected) and the affected eye. In addition, byutilizing methods such as VEP (e.g., FF-VEP and mfVEP) to measure thefunction of the visual pathway including the optic nerve (e.g., measurethe latency and amplitude of the VEP), a beneficial effect of thereparative agent on remyelination was detected. As described in theappended examples, a protective effect of the anti-LINGO-1 treatment wasseen for the amplitude of the mfVEP in both the affected and the felloweye visual pathways over 32 weeks, which was highly statisticallysignificant at 32 weeks for the fellow eye mfVEP amplitude.

Also, methods to measure latency and amplitude of an optic nerve, suchas VEP (e.g., FF-VEP and mfVEP, and in particular, mfVEP) provide a wayto diagnose patients at risk of developing MS earlier than usingpreviously described methods. Methods such as VEP also provide a way todiagnose/identify patients at risk of developing AON, e.g., one or botheyes, earlier than using previously described methods. Further, methodssuch as VEP provide a way to identify subjects that would most likelyrespond positively (e.g., have improved neuronal function) to areparative agent described herein, e.g., anti-LINGO-1. Thus, withoutbeing bound by theory, the methods described herein provide an earlyintervention to treat and/or prevent AON as well as MS, e.g., bypreserving myelination or causing remyelination of damaged areas earlyin the disease.

In embodiments, the methods described herein treat and/or prevent AONand/or MS in a subject before neuronal (e.g., axonal) damage, e.g.,optic nerve damage in the subject. In embodiments, the methods describedherein treat and/or prevent AON and/or MS in a subject before neuronal(e.g., axonal) damage and after demyelination of one or more nerves(e.g., an optic nerve) in the subject. In yet other embodiments, themethods described herein prevent AON and/or MS in a subject beforeneuronal (e.g., axonal damage and before demyelination of one or morenerves (e.g., an optic nerve) in the subject, e.g., the subject has oneeye affected by AON (with demyelination of the optic nerve) and onefellow normal eye that is asymptomatic (without demyelination of theoptic nerve).

Accordingly, in some embodiments, provided herein are methods comprisingchronic and/or prophylactic administration of the reparative agent as amonotherapy or a combination therapy that can preserve neuronal functionand/or neuronal tissue and/or prevent (e.g., delay) a disability in asubject, e.g., an MS or AON subject as described herein. In certainembodiments, chronic or prophylactic administration of the reparativeagent may prevent the onset or delay the progressive form of thedisease, e.g., AON or MS, for example, by reducing axonal/neuronaldegeneration and/or demyelination.

Inflammatory demyelinating CNS diseases, such as MS, are a common causeof non-traumatic neurological disability in young adults. Currentlyapproved therapies for MS are primarily immunomodulatory, and do nothave detectable direct effects on CNS repair. For example, the currentstandard of care for patients with relapsing MS includes the use ofimmunomodulatory drugs to reduce the frequency and severity of relapsesand the accumulation of relapse-related physical disability, and toprovide various symptomatic treatment as needed such as for depression,bladder dysfunction, or walking impairment. Several immunomodulatorydrugs are currently available for relapsing MS, including, but notlimited to, different preparations of interferon β (interferon β-1agiven intramuscularly [IM] [Avonex] or subcutaneously [SC] [Rebif®],interferon β-1b [Betaseron/Betaferon®/Extavia®]), glatiramer acetate(Copaxone®), natalizumab (Tysabri®), and fingolimod (Gilenya®). Shortcourses of corticosteroids are occasionally given with mixed success.Chemotherapeutic agents, such as mitoxantrone and cyclophosphamide, areoccasionally used in cases of severe relapsing MS. Although some degreeof axonal remyelination by oligodendrocytes takes place early during thecourse of MS, the ability to endogenously repair the CNS often fails,leading to irreversible tissue injury and an increase in disease-relateddisability.

Several preclinical studies have demonstrated a role for LINGO-1antagonism in enhancing CNS remyelination and neuroaxonal protection inanimal models of toxic injury (Cuprizone) (Mi et al. (2009) AnnNeurology, 65: 304-15), chemical injury (lysophosphatidylcholine [LPC]),and inflammatory demyelination (myelin oligodendrocyteglycoprotein-experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis [MOG-EAE]) [Mi etal. (2007) Nat Med, 13: 1228-33); and of toxic(1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine [MPTP]) neuronal injury(Inoue et al. (2007) Proc Natl Acad Sci, 104: 14430-5),traumatic/hypertensive optic nerve injury (Fu et al. (2008) InvestOpthalmol Vis Sci, 49: 975-85) and spinal cord injury (Ji et al. (2006)Mol Cell Neurosci, 33: 311-20; Ji et al. (2008) Mol Cell Neurosci, 39:258-67; Lv et al. (2010) Neuroimmunomodulat, 17: 270-8). Thus,antagonizing LINGO-1 with an anti-LINGO-1 antibody can enhanceremyelination and neuroaxonal protection in the CNS. An anti-LINGO-1antibody can reach the CNS in sufficient concentrations to block LINGO-1in both axons and oligodendroyctes after peripheral administration. Thisin turn, can enhance remyelination via differentiation ofoligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPC) normally present in the brain ofMS patients.

Binding of an anti-LINGO-1 antibody to LINGO-1 in axons and neurons canalso provide neuroaxonal protection via blockade of signaling by myelindebris on the Nogo66 receptor-1(NgR1)/p75/LINGO-1 receptor complex inthe CNS. It has been proposed that the failure of axonal repair/neuriteregeneration in MS can be due, at least in part, to signaling of myelindebris on the NgR1/p75/LINGO-1 complex and the NgR1/TROY/LINGO-1 complexin damaged axons (Mi et al. (2004) Nat Neurosci, 7: 221-8). Signaling onthe NgR1 receptor complex may interfere not only with axonalregeneration (Yamashita et al. (2005) Mol Neurobiol, 32: 105-11), butalso with neuronal survival following neuroaxonal injury (Mi et al.(2004) Nat Neurosci, 7: 221-8; Fu et al. (2008) Invest Opthalmol VisSci, 49: 975-85; Zhao et al. (2008) Cell Mol Neurobiol, 28: 727-35).

Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that newlydeveloped lesions may be easier to repair and remyelinate due, at leastin part, to the greater preservation of axons and lesser interferencefrom glial scar (Jasmin and Ohara (2002) Neuroscientists 8(3):198-203;Vick et al. (1992) J. Neurotrauma 9 Suppl 1:S93-103). However,reparative effects of LINGO-1 antagonists on pre-existing lesions canalso occur. For example, the efficacy of an anti-LINGO-1 antibodytreatment in pre-existing lesions is supported by (1) the finding thatOPCs are found in chronically demyelinated MS lesions, (2) animalstudies that show the ability of chronically demyelinated brain lesionsto be remyelinated, and (3) studies showing the enhancement ofremyelination by LINGO-1 blockade in established demyelinated lesions(e.g., in the Cuprizone model).

Thus, antagonism of LINGO-1 with an anti-LINGO-1 antibody can enhanceremyelination and neuroaxonal protection (thus, preventing axonaldegeneration) in CNS demyelinating diseases, such as MS and acute opticneuritis, leading to improved CNS repair with corresponding beneficialeffects on neurological function and disability. Since an anti-LINGO-1antibody does not have detectable immunomodulatory effects on theinflammatory component of MS pathogenesis, concurrent administrationwith an immunomodulatory agent is desirable. Therefore, combinationtreatments of an immunomodulatory agent, e.g., IFN-β agent, e.g.,Avonex®; with a reparative agent, e.g., anti-LINGO-1 antibody, aredisclosed.

The present invention provides, at least in part, methods, compositionand kits for enhancing one or more of: myelination, re-myelination,oligodendrocyte numbers, or neuroaxonal protection in a subject, e.g., ahuman (e.g., a human MS patient), while ameliorating an inflammatorycondition in the subject. Such methods, compositions and kits describedherein are useful for treating a CNS disorder, e.g., a CNS demyelinatingdisease. Accordingly, methods, composition and kits include a reparativeagent (e.g., a LINGO-1 antagonist) and an immunomodulatory agent, incombination, as described herein.

In other embodiments, the reparative agent (e.g., a LINGO-1 antagonist)can be used to treat an inflammatory condition of the optic nerve, e.g.,optic neuritis (e.g., acute optic neuritis (AON). Thus methods andcompositions comprising a reparative agent for treating an inflammatorycondition of the optic nerve, e.g., optic neuritis (e.g., AON) are alsodisclosed.

The term “reparative agent” as used herein includes any agent thatcauses one or more of: enhances myelination, re-myelination, enhancesneuroaxonal protection, increases axonal extension, increases neuronalsprouting, and/or promotes oligodendrocyte numbers (e.g., by increasingone or more of: survival or differentiation of oligodendrocytes),without having a substantial (e.g., a detectable) immunomodulatoryeffect. In one embodiment, the reparative agent is a LINGO-1 antagonist,e.g., a LINGO-1 antagonist as described herein.

Various aspects of the invention are described in further detail in thefollowing subsections.

Definitions

As used herein, each of the following terms has the meaning associatedwith it in this section.

As used herein, the articles “a” and “an” refer to one or to more thanone (e.g., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article.

The term “or” is used herein to mean, and is used interchangeably with,the term “and/or”, unless context clearly indicates otherwise.

The terms “proteins” and “polypeptides” are used interchangeably herein.

“About” and “approximately” shall generally mean an acceptable degree oferror for the quantity measured given the nature or precision of themeasurements. Exemplary degrees of error are within 20 percent (%),typically, within 10%, and more typically, within 5% of a given value orrange of values.

“Acquire” or “acquiring” as the terms are used herein, refer toobtaining possession of, determining, or evaluating, a desired result,e.g., a value, e.g., a numerical value, by “directly acquiring” or“indirectly acquiring” the result. “Directly acquiring” means performinga process (e.g., performing a test, e.g., a measure of upper and/orlower extremity function, and/or ambulatory function) to obtain theresult, e.g., the value. “Indirectly acquiring” refers to receiving theresult, e.g., the value, from another party or source (e.g., a thirdparty clinician or health professional that directly acquired thevalue).

A “CNS disorder” (e.g., a “CNS demyelinating disease”) can be anydisease, disorder or injury associated with one or more of:demyelination, dysmyelination, axonal injury, and/or dysfunction ordeath of an oligodendrocyte or a neuronal cell, or loss of neuronalsynapsis/connectivity. In certain embodiments, the CNS disorder affectsthe nervous system by causing damage to the myelin sheath of axons. Inother embodiments, the CNS disorder includes Nogo receptor-1 (NgR1-)mediated inhibition of axonal extension or neurite extension, e.g., inthe brain and spinal cord. In other embodiments, the CNS disorder hasone or more inflammatory components. In one embodiment, the CNS disorder(e.g., the CNS demyelinating disease) is multiple sclerosis. In oneembodiment, the CNS disorder (e.g., the CNS demyelinating disease) is anoptic nerve condition or disorder, e.g., optic neuritis, e.g., acuteoptic neuritis.

The CNS disorder (e.g., the CNS demyelinating disease) is “treated,”“inhibited” or “reduced,” if at least one symptom of the disease ordisorder is reduced, alleviated, terminated, slowed, or prevented.Treatment or prevention need not be 100%, and in some embodiments areduction or delay in at least one symptom of the disease or disorder byat least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% is sufficient to beconsidered within these terms.

In embodiments, the CNS disorder is “prevented” if at least one symptomof the disease or disorder is delayed, e.g., by about 4 weeks, 8 weeks,12 weeks, 24 weeks, 36 weeks, 48 weeks, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 4years, 5 years, 6 years, 7 years, 8 years, 9 years, 10 years, or more.In embodiments, the CNS disorder is prevented if initial onset (e.g.,first occurrence of a symptom) of the disorder is delayed, e.g., byabout 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks, 36 weeks, 48 weeks, 1 year,2 years, 3 years, 4 years, 5 years, 6 years, 7 years, 8 years, 9 years,10 years, or more.

As used herein, in some embodiments, an optic nerve condition ordisorder, e.g., optic neuritis, e.g., acute optic neuritis, is“prevented” if at least one symptom of the optic nerve condition ordisorder is delayed in one or both eyes, e.g., by about 4 weeks, 8weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks, 36 weeks, 48 weeks, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years,4 years, 5 years, 6 years, 7 years, 8 years, 9 years, 10 years, or more.In embodiments, an optic nerve condition or disorder, e.g., opticneuritis, e.g., acute optic neuritis, is “prevented” if initial onset(e.g., first occurrence of a symptom) of the optic nerve condition ordisorder is delayed in one or both eyes, e.g., by about 4 weeks, 8weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks, 36 weeks, 48 weeks, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years,4 years, 5 years, 6 years, 7 years, 8 years, 9 years, 10 years, or more,i.e., if function is preserved for a period of time. In an example,optic neuritis is prevented in a normal fellow eye that does not showsymptoms of optic neuritis if at least one symptom of the optic neuritisis delayed in the normal fellow eye, e.g., by about 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12weeks, 24 weeks, 36 weeks, 48 weeks, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years,5 years, 6 years, 7 years, 8 years, 9 years, 10 years, or more. In anexample, optic neuritis is prevented in a normal fellow eye that doesnot show symptoms of optic neuritis if initial onset (e.g., firstoccurrence of a symptom) of the optic neuritis is delayed in the normalfellow eye, e.g., by about 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks, 36weeks, 48 weeks, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years, 5 years, 6 years, 7years, 8 years, 9 years, 10 years, or more.

As used herein, an optic nerve condition or disorder, e.g., opticneuritis, e.g., acute optic neuritis, is “treated,” “inhibited,” or“reduced,” if recurrence or relapse of the disease is reduced, retarded,slowed, delayed, or prevented. Exemplary clinical symptoms of acuteoptic neuritis that can be used to aid in determining disease status ina subject can include, e.g., visual loss, edema, inflammation, damage ordemyelination of the myelin sheath covering the optic nerve and axons,loss of retinal fiber layer, loss of retinal ganglion cell layer, visualfield defect, color desaturation, decreased color vision, ocular pain,decreased visual acuity, Uhthoff s symptom, swollen optic disc, orrelative afferent papillary defect. In embodiments, clinical outcomescan be used to aid in determining disease status in a subject, e.g.,optic nerve damage (e.g., as measured by full field visual evokedpotential amplitude or multi-focal visual evoked potential), optic nervelatency (e.g., as measured by full field visual evoked potential ormulti-focal visual evoked potential), thickness of retinal layers suchas retinal nerve fiber layer or retinal ganglion cell layer (e.g., asmeasured by spectral domain optical coherence tomography), visualfunction (e.g., as measured by visual acuity, e.g., low contrast or highcontrast letter acuity), or visual quality of life (e.g., as measured bya patient reported outcome test, e.g., a NIH-NEI visual functionalquestionnaire or a neuro-ophthalmic supplement, NOS-10).

As used herein, “normal” eye (e.g., a “normal fellow eye”) is an eye ina subject that does not show one or more symptoms of an optic nervecondition or disorder, e.g., optic neuritis, e.g., acute optic neuritis.

As used herein, multiple sclerosis is “treated,” “inhibited,” or“reduced,” if recurrence or relapse of the disease is reduced, slowed,delayed, or prevented. Exemplary clinical symptoms of multiple sclerosisthat can be used to aid in determining the disease status in a subjectcan include e.g., tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, loss of balance,blurred or double vision, slurred speech, sudden onset paralysis, lackof coordination, cognitive difficulties, fatigue, heat sensitivity,spasticity, dizziness, tremors, gait abnormalities, speech/swallowingdifficulties, and extent of lesions assessed by imaging techniques,e.g., MRI. Clinical signs of MS are routinely classified andstandardized, e.g., using an EDSS rating system based on neurologicalexamination and long distance ambulation. For the lower end of the scale(1-5.5) a decrease of one full step indicates an effective MS treatment(Kurtzke, Ann. Neurol. 36:573-79, 1994), while an increase of one fullstep will indicate the progression or worsening of the disease (e.g.,exacerbation). For the higher end of the scale (5-7), a half a pointtypically indicates improvement (a reduction) or worsening (anincrease).

As used herein, the “Expanded Disability Status Scale” or “EDSS” isintended to have its customary meaning in the medical practice. EDSS isa rating system that is frequently used for classifying andstandardizing MS. The accepted scores range from 0 (normal) to 10 (deathdue to MS). Typically patients having an EDSS score of about 4-6 willhave moderate disability (e.g., limited ability to walk), whereaspatients having an EDSS score of about 7 or 8 will have severedisability (e.g., will require a wheelchair). More specifically, EDSSscores in the range of 1-3 refer to an MS patient who is fullyambulatory, but has some signs in one or more functional systems; EDSSscores in the range higher than 3 to 4.5 show moderate to relativelysevere disability; an EDSS score of 5 to 5.5 refers to a disabilityimpairing or precluding full daily activities; EDSS scores of 6 to 6.5refer to an MS patient requiring intermittent to constant, or unilateralto bilateral constant assistance (cane, crutch or brace) to walk; EDSSscores of 7 to 7.5 means that the MS patient is unable to walk beyondfive meters even with aid, and is essentially restricted to awheelchair; EDSS scores of 8 to 8.5 refer to patients that arerestricted to bed; and EDSS scores of 9 to 10 mean that the MS patientis confined to bed, and progressively is unable to communicateeffectively or eat and swallow, until death due to MS.

As used herein, a “disease progression” includes a measure (e.g., one ormore measures) of a worsening of one or more symptoms and/or disabilityin a subject. In certain embodiments, disease progression is evaluatedas a steady worsening of one or more symptoms and/or disability overtime, as opposed to a relapse, which is relatively short in duration. Incertain embodiments, the disease progression is evaluated in a subjectwith a relapsing form of MS (e.g., RRMS) or a progressive form of MS(e.g., a subject with primary or secondary progressive multiplesclerosis (PPMS or SPMS, respectively), or a subject withprogressive-relapsing MS (PRMS)).

In certain embodiments, the disease progression is evaluated in asubject with an optic nerve condition or disorder, e.g., optic neuritis,e.g., acute optic neuritis, e.g., in one or both eyes. In someembodiments, the evaluation of disease progression includes a measure ofa clinical symptom or outcome of acute optic neuritis described herein.

In other embodiments, the evaluation of disease progression includes ameasure of upper extremity function (e.g., a 9HP assessment).Alternatively or in combination, disease progression includes a measureof lower extremity function. Alternatively or in combination, diseaseprogression includes a measure of ambulatory function, e.g., shortdistance ambulatory function (e.g., T25FW). Alternatively or incombination, disease progression includes a measure of ambulatoryfunction, e.g., longer distance ambulatory function (e.g., a 6-minutewalk test). In one embodiment, the disease progression includes ameasure of ambulatory function other than EDSS ambulatory function. Inone embodiment, disease progression includes a measure of upperextremity function (e.g., a 9HP assessment) and a measure of ambulatoryfunction, e.g., short distance ambulatory function (e.g., T25FW). In oneembodiment, disease progression includes a measure of upper extremityfunction (e.g., a 9HP assessment) and a measure of lower extremityfunction. In one embodiment, disease progression includes a measure ofupper extremity function (e.g., a 9HP assessment), a measure of lowerextremity function, and a measure of ambulatory function, e.g., shortdistance ambulatory function (e.g., T25FW) and/or longer distanceambulatory function (e.g., a timed (e.g., 6-minute) walk test (e.g.,6MWT)). In one embodiment, one, two or the combination of the T25FW,6MWT and 9HP assessments can be used to acquire a disease progressionvalue. The measure of ambulatory function (e.g., short distanceambulatory function (e.g., T25FW) or longer distance ambulatory function(e.g., a timed (e.g., 6-minute) walk test (e.g., 6MWT)) and/or measureof upper extremity function (e.g., a 9HP assessment) can further be usedin combination with the EDSS to evaluate MS, e.g., progressive forms ofMS.

In one embodiment, a progressor is a subject who possesses a diseaseprogression value reflecting at least one, two or all of the followingcriteria:

a. confirmed progression in T25FW: Time taken for 25-foot walk increasedby at least 15% or 20% of the baseline walk, confirmed at a second timepoint at least 3, 4, 5, or 6 months apart;

b. confirmed progression in a timed (e.g., 6-minute) walk test (e.g.,6MWT): Time taken for walk increased by at least 10%, 15% or 20% of thebaseline walk, confirmed at a second time point at least 3, 4, 5, or 6months apart;

c. confirmed progression in 9HP: Time taken for 9-hole peg increased byat least 15% or 20% of the time taken at baseline, confirmed at a secondtime point at least 3, 4, 5, or 6 months apart. The progression in 9HPcan occur on either hand, but will have to be confirmed on the samehand; and/or

d. confirmed progression in EDSS:

(i) EDSS total score increase from baseline by at least 1 point, if thechange in EDSS total score is determined (or primarily determined) byevaluating a change in neurological function (e.g., one or more changesin neurological systems); and/or

(ii) EDSS total score increased from baseline by at least 0.5 point ifthe change in EDSS total score is determined (or primarily determined)by a change in ambulatory function, if either or both of (i) or (ii)is/are confirmed on a second examination at least 3, 4, 5 or 6 monthsapart (typically, at least 6 months apart).

Baseline values for the aforementioned tests (e.g., T25FW, 6MWT, EDSS,or 9HP) can be determined using the best baseline value or the averagebaseline value.

“Baseline,” as used herein, refers to a value or measurement prior toadministration of a therapy, e.g., a therapy described herein. Inembodiments, “baseline” with respect to a “fellow eye” refers to a valueor measurement of the eye of a subject other than the affected eye(e.g., affected by an optic nerve condition or disorder, e.g., opticneuritis), prior to administration of a therapy, e.g., a therapydescribed herein.

“Responsiveness,” to “respond” to a treatment, and other forms of thisterm, as used herein, refer to the reaction of a subject to treatmentwith a therapy as described. As an example, an MS subject responds totherapy if at least one symptom of multiple sclerosis (e.g., diseaseworsening) in the subject is reduced or retarded by about 10%, 20%, 30%,40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or more. In another example, an MS subjectresponds to a therapy, if at least one symptom of multiple sclerosis inthe subject is reduced by about 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% or more asdetermined by any appropriate measure, e.g., one or more of: a measureof upper or lower extremity function, a measure of ambulatory function,or an assessment of Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). In anotherexample, an MS subject responds to treatment with a therapy, if thesubject has an increased time to progression. Several methods can beused to determine if a patient responds to a treatment including theassessments described herein, as set forth herein.

In certain embodiments, an improvement in the subject is defined by oneor more of:

a. ≥1.0 point decrease in EDSS from a baseline score of ≤6.0;

b. ≥15% improvement from baseline in T25FW;

c. ≥15% improvement from baseline in 9HPT; or

d. ≥10% (e.g., 10%, 12%, 20%, 30%) improvement from baseline in PASAT orSDMT.

As an example, a subject with optic neuritis (e.g., acute opticneuritis) responds to treatment with a therapy if at least one symptomof optic neuritis in the subject is reduced or retarded by about 10%,20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or more. In an example, a subjectwith acute optic neuritis responds to a therapy if at least one symptomof acute optic neuritis in the subject is reduced by about 5%, 10%, 20%,30%, 40%, 50% or more as determined by any appropriate measure, e.g.,one or more of: a measure of optic nerve damage, a measure of opticnerve latency, a measure of thickness of retinal layer, a measure ofvisual function, or a measure of visual quality of life.

A “non-responder” or “progressor” refers to a subject, e.g., an MSpatient or optic neuritis (e.g., acute optic neuritis) patient, if inresponse to a therapy (e.g., a therapy described herein), at least onesymptom or disability of e.g., multiple sclerosis or optic neuritis(e.g., acute optic neuritis), in the subject is reduced by less thanabout 5%, as determined by any appropriate measure, e.g., one or moreof: a measure of upper or lower extremity function, a measure ofambulatory function, a measure of cognitive function, an assessment ofExpanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), a measure of optic nervedamage, a measure of optic nerve latency, a measure of thickness ofretinal layer, a measure of visual function, or a measure of visualquality of life.

The methods, compositions and kits disclosed herein encompasspolypeptides and nucleic acids having the sequences specified, orsequences substantially identical or similar thereto, e.g., sequences atleast 85%, 90%, 95% identical or higher to the sequence specified. Inthe context of an amino acid sequence, the term “substantiallyidentical” is used herein to refer to a first amino acid that contains asufficient or minimum number of amino acid residues that are i)identical to, or ii) conservative substitutions of aligned amino acidresidues in a second amino acid sequence such that the first and secondamino acid sequences can have a common structural domain and/or commonfunctional activity. For example, amino acid sequences that contain acommon structural domain having at least about 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%,94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identity to a sequence described hereinare termed substantially identical.

In the context of nucleotide sequence, the term “substantiallyidentical” is used herein to refer to a first nucleic acid sequence thatcontains a sufficient or minimum number of nucleotides that areidentical to aligned nucleotides in a second nucleic acid sequence suchthat the first and second nucleotide sequences encode a polypeptidehaving common functional activity, or encode a common structuralpolypeptide domain or a common functional polypeptide activity. Forexample, nucleotide sequences having at least about 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%,93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identity to a sequence describedherein are termed substantially identical.

Calculations of homology or sequence identity between sequences (theterms are used interchangeably herein) are performed as follows.

To determine the percent identity of two amino acid sequences, or of twonucleic acid sequences, the sequences are aligned for optimal comparisonpurposes (e.g., gaps can be introduced in one or both of a first and asecond amino acid or nucleic acid sequence for optimal alignment andnon-homologous sequences can be disregarded for comparison purposes). Ina preferred embodiment, the length of a reference sequence aligned forcomparison purposes is at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, morepreferably at least 50%, 60%, and even more preferably at least 70%,80%, 90%, 100% of the length of the reference sequence. The amino acidresidues or nucleotides at corresponding amino acid positions ornucleotide positions are then compared. When a position in the firstsequence is occupied by the same amino acid residue or nucleotide as thecorresponding position in the second sequence, then the molecules areidentical at that position (as used herein amino acid or nucleic acid“identity” is equivalent to amino acid or nucleic acid “homology”).

The percent identity between the two sequences is a function of thenumber of identical positions shared by the sequences, taking intoaccount the number of gaps, and the length of each gap, which need to beintroduced for optimal alignment of the two sequences.

The comparison of sequences and determination of percent identitybetween two sequences can be accomplished using a mathematicalalgorithm. In a preferred embodiment, the percent identity between twoamino acid sequences is determined using the Needleman and Wunsch((1970) J. Mol. Biol. 48:444-453) algorithm which has been incorporatedinto the GAP program in the GCG software package (available athttp://www.gcg.com), using either a Blossum 62 matrix or a PAM250matrix, and a gap weight of 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, or 4 and a lengthweight of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. In yet another preferred embodiment, thepercent identity between two nucleotide sequences is determined usingthe GAP program in the GCG software package (available athttp://www.gcg.com), using a NWSgapdna.CMP matrix and a gap weight of40, 50, 60, 70, or 80 and a length weight of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. Aparticularly preferred set of parameters (and the one that should beused unless otherwise specified) are a Blossum 62 scoring matrix with agap penalty of 12, a gap extend penalty of 4, and a frameshift gappenalty of 5.

The percent identity between two amino acid or nucleotide sequences canbe determined using the algorithm of E. Meyers and W. Miller ((1989)CABIOS, 4:11-17) which has been incorporated into the ALIGN program(version 2.0), using a PAM120 weight residue table, a gap length penaltyof 12 and a gap penalty of 4.

The nucleic acid and protein sequences described herein can be used as a“query sequence” to perform a search against public databases to, forexample, identify other family members or related sequences. Suchsearches can be performed using the NBLAST and XBLAST programs (version2.0) of Altschul, et al. (1990) J Mol. Biol. 215:403-10. BLASTnucleotide searches can be performed with the NBLAST program, score=100,wordlength=12 to obtain nucleotide sequences homologous to BMP-10/BMP-10receptor nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO:1) molecules of the invention. BLASTprotein searches can be performed with the XBLAST program, score=50,wordlength=3 to obtain amino acid sequences homologous to BMP-10/BMP-10receptor (SEQ ID NO:1) protein molecules of the invention. To obtaingapped alignments for comparison purposes, Gapped BLAST can be utilizedas described in Altschul et al., (1997) Nucleic Acids Res. 25:3389-3402.When utilizing BLAST and Gapped BLAST programs, the default parametersof the respective programs (e.g., XBLAST and NBLAST) can be used. Seehttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

Also included are fragments, derivatives, analogs, or variants of thepolypeptides, and any combination thereof. The terms “fragment,”“variant,” “derivative” and “analog” include any polypeptides whichretain at least some of the properties of the corresponding nativepolypeptide. Fragments of polypeptides include proteolytic fragments, aswell as deletion fragments. Variants of polypeptides include fragmentsas described above, and also polypeptides with altered amino acidsequences due to amino acid substitutions, deletions, or insertions.Variants may occur naturally or be non-naturally occurring.Non-naturally occurring variants may be produced using art-knownmutagenesis techniques. Variant polypeptides may comprise conservativeor non-conservative amino acid substitutions, deletions or additions.

The term “functional variant” refers polypeptides that have asubstantially identical amino acid sequence to the naturally-occurringsequence, or are encoded by a substantially identical nucleotidesequence, and are capable of having one or more activities of thenaturally-occurring sequence.

Derivatives of polypeptides are polypeptides which have been altered soas to exhibit additional features not found on the native polypeptide.Examples include fusion proteins.

A “conservative amino acid substitution” is one in which the amino acidresidue is replaced with an amino acid residue having a similar sidechain. Families of amino acid residues having similar side chains havebeen defined in the art. These families include amino acids with basicside chains (e.g., lysine, arginine, histidine), acidic side chains(e.g., aspartic acid, glutamic acid), uncharged polar side chains (e.g.,glycine, asparagine, glutamine, serine, threonine, tyrosine, cysteine),nonpolar side chains (e.g., alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine,proline, phenylalanine, methionine, tryptophan), beta-branched sidechains (e.g., threonine, valine, isoleucine) and aromatic side chains(e.g., tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, histidine).

Various aspects of the invention are described in further detail below.Additional definitions are set out throughout the specification.

Reparative Agents

Methods, composition and kits described herein include a combination ofa reparative agent (e.g., a LINGO-1 antagonist) and an immunomodulatoryagent. In one embodiment, the reparative agent is an antagonist of LRRand Ig domain-containing, Nogo receptor-interacting protein (“LINGO,”e.g., LINGO-1). For example, the LINGO-1 antagonist can inhibit orreduce the expression or activity of LINGO-1, e.g., human LINGO-1. Inone embodiment, the LINGO-1 antagonist inhibits or reduces the formationand/or activity of a complex (e.g., a functional signaling complex) ofthe NgR1, p75, and LINGO-1; and/or NgR1, TAJ (TROY), and LINGO-1. Inanother embodiment, the LINGO-1 antagonist inhibits or reduces LINGO-1binding to NgR1.

LINGO-1 and LINGO-1 Antagonists

LINGO-1, previously called Sp35, is a cell surface glycoprotein that isselectively expressed in the adult CNS in neurons and oligodendrocytes.LINGO-1 is a member of a protein family comprising 3 other paralogs:LINGO-2 (GI: 12309630, 61% protein identity), LINGO-3 (GI: 23342615, 56%identity) and LINGO-4 (GI: 21211752, 44% identity). LINGO-1 is highlyconserved evolutionarily with human and mouse orthologues sharing 99.5%identity. By Northern blot analysis, LINGO-1 was found to be highlyexpressed in human brain and was not detectable in non-neural tissues(Barrette et al. (2007) Mol Cell Neurosci, 34: 519-38; Carim-Todd et al.(2003) Eur Journal Neurosci, 18: 3167-82; Llorens et al. (2008) DevNeurobiol, 68: 521-41; Mi et al. (2004) Nat Neurosci, 7: 221-8; Okafujiet al. (2005) Gene Expr Patterns, 6: 57-62; Park et al. (2006) NeurosciLett, 404: 61-6; Shao et al. (2005) Neuron, 45: 353-9). LINGO-1 has alsobeen described in detail in International ApplicationsPCT/US2006/026271, filed Jul. 7, 2006, PCT/US2004/008323, filed Mar. 17,2004, PCT/US2005/022881, filed Jun. 24, 2005 and PCT/US2008/000316,filed Jan. 9, 2008, each of which is incorporated by reference in itsentirety herein.

LINGO-1 is selectively expressed in both oligodendrocyte precursor cells(OPCs) and neurons. LINGO-1 functions as a negative regulator ofoligodendrocyte differentiation myelination, and remyelination;preventing myelination of axons by oligodendrocytes (Lee et al. (2007) JNeurosci, 27: 220-5; Mi et al. (2005) Nat Neurosci, 8: 745-51; Mi et al.(2008) Int Journal Biochem Cell Biol 40(10):1971-8; Mi et al. (2009) AnnNeurology, 65: 304-15). Axonal and neuronal expression of LINGO-1increases after injury (Ji et al. (2006) Mol Cell Neurosci, 33: 311-20).LINGO-1 expression prevents myelination of axons by oligodendrocytes.Several preclinical studies have demonstrated the potential for LINGO-1antagonism to enhance CNS remyelination and neuroaxonal protection inanimal models of toxic (Cuprizone) (Mi et al. (2009) Ann Neurology, 65:304-15), chemical injury (lysophosphatidylcholine [LPC]), andinflammatory (myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-experimentalautoimmune encephalomyelitis [MOG-EAE]) [Mi et al. (2007) Nat Med, 13:1228-33) demyelination; and of toxic(1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine [MPTP]) neuronal injury(Inoue et al. (2007) Proc Natl Acad Sci, 104: 14430-5),traumatic/hypertensive optic nerve injury (Fu et al. (2008) InvestOpthalmol Vis Sci, 49: 975-85) and spinal cord injury (Ji et al. (2006)Mol Cell Neurosci, 33: 311-20; Ji et al. (2008) Mol Cell Neurosci, 39:258-67; Lv et al. (2010) Neuroimmunomodulat, 17: 270-8). Remyelinationand neuroaxonal protection can be provided via blockade of signaling bymyelin debris and/or sulfated proteoglycans on the NgR1 receptor complexin the CNS caused by the inhibition of LINGO-1 in axons andoligodendroyctes. This in turn may enhance remyelination viadifferentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) normallypresent in the brain of MS patients. Thus, antagonism of LINGO-1 canenhance myelination or re-myelination of axons, e.g., byoligodendrocytes, and enhance neuroaxonal protection in the CNS, and forexample, in CNS demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS)and acute optic neuritis, leading to improved CNS repair.

LINGO-1 is also known in the art by the names LRRN6, LRRN6A, FLJ14594,LERN1, MGC17422 and UNQ201. The human, full-length wild-type LINGO-1polypeptide contains an LRR domain consisting of 14 leucine-rich repeats(including N- and C-terminal caps), an Ig domain, a transmembraneregion, and a cytoplasmic domain. The cytoplasmic domain contains acanonical tyrosine phosphorylation site. In addition, the naturallyoccurring LINGO-1 protein contains a signal sequence, a short basicregion between the LRR-C-terminal domain (LRRCT) and Ig domain, and atransmembrane region between the Ig domain and the cytoplasmic domain.The human LINGO-1 gene (SEQ ID NO:52) contains alternative translationstart codons, so that six additional amino acids, i.e., MQVSKR (SEQ IDNO:87) may or may not be present at the N-terminus of the LINGO-1 signalsequence. Table 2 lists the LINGO-1 domains and other regions, accordingto amino acid residue number, based on the LINGO-1 amino acid sequencepresented herein as SEQ ID NO: 51. The LINGO-1 polypeptide ischaracterized in more detail in PCT Publication No. WO 2004/085648,which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TABLE 2 LINGO-1 Domains Domain or Region Beginning Residue EndingResidue Signal Sequence  1 33 or 35 LRRNT 34 or 36  64 LRR  66  89 LRR 90 113 LRR 114 137 LRR 138 161 LRR 162 185 LRR 186 209 LRR 210 233 LRR234 257 LRR 258 281 LRR 282 305 LRR 306 329 LRR 330 353 LRRCT 363 414 or416 Basic 415 or 417 424 Ig 419 493 Connecting sequence 494 551Transmembrane 552 576 Cytoplasmic 577 614

Tissue distribution and developmental expression of LINGO-1 has beenstudied in humans and rats. LINGO-1 biology has been studied in anexperimental animal (rat) model. Expression of rat LINGO-1 is localizedto neurons and oligodendrocytes, as determined by northern blot andimmuno-histochemical staining. Rat LINGO-1 mRNA expression level isregulated developmentally, peaking shortly after birth, i.e., ca.postnatal day one. In a rat spinal cord transection injury model,LINGO-1 is up-regulated at the injury site, as determined by RT-PCR. SeeMi et al. Nature Neurosci. 7:221-228 (2004).

In the context of the amino acids comprising the various structural andfunctional domains of a LINGO-1 polypeptide, the term “about” includesthe particularly recited value and values larger or smaller by several(e.g., 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1) amino acids. Since the locationof these domains as listed in Table 2 have been predicted by computergraphics, one of ordinary skill would appreciate that the amino acidresidues constituting the domains may vary slightly (e.g., by about 1 to15 residues) depending on the criteria used to define the domain.

Full-length, wild-type LINGO-1 binds to NgR1. See PCT Publication No. WO2004/085648. LINGO-1 is expressed in oligodendrocytes and that theLINGO-1 protein is involved in the regulation ofoligodendrocyte-mediated myelination of axons. See U.S. PatentPublication No. 2006/0009388 A1, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

The nucleotide sequence for the full-length LINGO-1 molecule is asfollows:

(SEQ ID NO: 52) ATGCTGGCGGGGGGCGTGAGGAGCATGCCCAGCCCCCTCCTGGCCTGCTGGCAGCCCATCCTCCTGCTGGTGCTGGGCTCAGTGCTGTCAGGCTCGGCCACGGGCTGCCCGCCCCGCTGCGAGTGCTCCGCCCAGGACCGCGCTGTGCTGTGCCACCGCAAGCGCTTTGTGGCAGTCCCCGAGGGCATCCCCACCGAGACGCGCCTGCTGGACCTAGGCAAGAACCGCATCAAAACGCTCAACCAGGACGAGTTCGCCAGCTTCCCGCACCTGGAGGAGCTGGAGCTCAACGAGAACATCGTGAGCGCCGTGGAGCCCGGCGCCTTCAACAACCTCTTCAACCTCCGGACGCTGGGTCTCCGCAGCAACCGCCTGAAGCTCATCCCGCTAGGCGTCTTCACTGGCCTCAGCAACCTGACCAAGCTGGACATCAGCGAGAACAAGATTGTTATCCTGCTGGACTACATGTTTCAGGACCTGTACAACCTCAAGTCACTGGAGGTTGGCGACAATGACCTCGTCTACATCTCTCACCGCGCCTTCAGCGGCCTCAACAGCCTGGAGCAGCTGACGCTGGAGAAATGCAACCTGACCTCCATCCCCACCGAGGCGCTGTCCCACCTGCACGGCCTCATCGTCCTGAGGCTCCGGCACCTCAACATCAATGCCATCCGGGACTACTCCTTCAAGAGGCTCTACCGACTCAAGGTCTTGGAGATCTCCCACTGGCCCTACTTGGACACCATGACACCCAACTGCCTCTACGGCCTCAACCTGACGTCCCTGTCCATCACACACTGCAATCTGACCGCTGTGCCCTACCTGGCCGTCCGCCACCTAGTCTATCTCCGCTTCCTCAACCTCTCCTACAACCCCATCAGCACCATTGAGGGCTCCATGTTGCATGAGCTGCTCCGGCTGCAGGAGATCCAGCTGGTGGGCGGGCAGCTGGCCGTGGTGGAGCCCTATGCCTTCCGCGGCCTCAACTACCTGCGCGTGCTCAATGTCTCTGGCAACCAGCTGACCACACTGGAGGAATCAGTCTTCCACTCGGTGGGCAACCTGGAGACACTCATCCTGGACTCCAACCCGCTGGCCTGCGACTGTCGGCTCCTGTGGGTGTTCCGGCGCCGCTGGCGGCTCAACTTCAACCGGCAGCAGCCCACGTGCGCCACGCCCGAGTTTGTCCAGGGCAAGGAGTTCAAGGACTTCCCTGATGTGCTACTGCCCAACTACTTCACCTGCCGCCGCGCCCGCATCCGGGACCGCAAGGCCCAGCAGGTGTTTGTGGACGAGGGCCACACGGTGCAGTTTGTGTGCCGGGCCGATGGCGACCCGCCGCCCGCCATCCTCTGGCTCTCACCCCGAAAGCACCTGGTCTCAGCCAAGAGCAATGGGCGGCTCACAGTCTTCCCTGATGGCACGCTGGAGGTGCGCTACGCCCAGGTACAGGACAACGGCACGTACCTGTGCATCGCGGCCAACGCGGGCGGCAACGACTCCATGCCCGCCCACCTGCATGTGCGCAGCTACTCGCCCGACTGGCCCCATCAGCCCAACAAGACCTTCGCTTTCATCTCCAACCAGCCGGGCGAGGGAGAGGCCAACAGCACCCGCGCCACTGTGCCTTTCCCCTTCGACATCAAGACCCTCATCATCGCCACCACCATGGGCTTCATCTCTTTCCTGGGCGTCGTCCTCTTCTGCCTGGTGCTGCTGTTTCTCTGGAGCCGGGGCAAGGGCAACACAAAGCACAACATCGAGATCGAGTATGTGCCCCGAAAGTCGGACGCAGGCATCAGCTCCGCCGACGCGCCCCGCAAGTTCAACATG AAGATGATATGA.

The polypeptide sequence for the full-length LINGO-1 polypeptide is asfollows:

(SEQ ID NO: 51) MLAGGVRSMPSPLLACWQPILLLVLGSVLSGSATGCPPRCECSAQDRAVLCHRKRFVAVPEGIPTETRLLDLGKNRIKTLNQDEFASFPHLEELELNENIVSAVEPGAFNNLFNLRTLGLRSNRLKLIPLGVFTGLSNLTKLDISENKIVILLDYMFQDLYNLKSLEVGDNDLVYISHRAFSGLNSLEQLTLEKCNLTSIPTEALSHLHGLIVLRLRHLNINAIRDYSFKRLYRLKVLEISHWPYLDTMTPNCLYGLNLTSLSITHCNLTAVPYLAVRHLVYLRFLNLSYNPISTIEGSMLHELLRLQEIQLVGGQLAVVEPYAFRGLNYLRVLNVSGNQLTTLEESVFHSVGNLETLILDSNPLACDCRLLWVFRRRWRLNFNRQQPTCATPEFVQGKEFKDFPDVLLPNYFTCRRARIRDRKAQQVFVDEGHTVQFVCRADGDPPPAILWLSPRKHLVSAKSNGRLTVFPDGTLEVRYAQVQDNGTYLCIAANAGGNDSMPAHLHVRSYSPDWPHQPNKTFAFISNQPGEGEANSTRATVPFPFDIKTLIIATTMGFISFLGVVLFCLVLLFLWSRGKGNTKHNIEIEYVPRKSDAGI SSADAPRKFN MKMI.

Anti-LINGO-1 Antibody Molecules

In certain embodiments the antibody molecule binds to LINGO, e.g., humanLINGO. In another embodiment, the antibody molecule binds to LINGO-1,e.g., human LINGO-1. In one embodiment, the antibody molecule isisolated, purified or recombinant. By an “isolated” polypeptide or afragment, variant, or derivative thereof is intended a polypeptide thatis not in its natural milieu. No particular level of purification isrequired. For example, an isolated polypeptide can be removed from itsnative or natural environment. Recombinantly produced polypeptides andproteins expressed in host cells are considered isolated for purposed ofthe invention, as are native or recombinant polypeptides which have beenseparated, fractionated, or partially or substantially purified by anysuitable technique.

As used herein, the term “antibody molecule” refers to a proteincomprising at least one immunoglobulin variable domain sequence. Theterm antibody molecule includes, for example, full-length antibodies,mature antibodies, fragments, e.g., antigen-binding fragments of anantibody, derivatives, analogs, or variants of the antibodies disclosedherein, and any combination thereof.

The terms “fragment,” “variant,” “derivative” and “analog” whenreferring to LINGO-1 antibody molecules or antibody polypeptides includeany polypeptides which retain at least some of the antigen-bindingproperties of the corresponding native antibody or polypeptide.Fragments of polypeptides include proteolytic fragments, as well asdeletion fragments, in addition to specific antibody fragments discussedelsewhere herein. Variants of LINGO-1 antibody and antibody polypeptidesinclude fragments as described above, and also polypeptides with alteredamino acid sequences due to amino acid substitutions, deletions, orinsertions. Variants may occur naturally or be non-naturally occurring.Non-naturally occurring variants may be produced using art-knownmutagenesis techniques. Variant polypeptides may comprise conservativeor non-conservative amino acid substitutions, deletions or additions.Derivatives of LINGO-1 antibody molecules and antibody polypeptides arepolypeptides which have been altered so as to exhibit additionalfeatures not found on the native polypeptide. Examples include fusionproteins.

As used herein a “derivative” of a LINGO-1 antibody molecule or antibodypolypeptide refers to a subject polypeptide having one or more residueschemically derivatized by reaction of a functional side group. Alsoincluded as “derivatives” are those peptides which contain one or morenaturally occurring amino acid derivatives of the twenty standard aminoacids. For example, 4-hydroxyproline may be substituted for proline;5-hydroxylysine may be substituted for lysine; 3-methylhistidine may besubstituted for histidine; homoserine may be substituted for serine; andornithine may be substituted for lysine.

For example, an antibody molecule can include a heavy (H) chain variabledomain sequence (abbreviated herein as VH), and a light (L) chainvariable domain sequence (abbreviated herein as VL). In another example,an antibody molecule includes two heavy (H) chain variable domainsequences and two light (L) chain variable domain sequence, therebyforming two antigen binding sites, such as Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)₂, Fc, Fd,Fd′, Fv, single chain antibodies (scFv for example), single variabledomain antibodies, diabodies (Dab) (bivalent and bispecific), andchimeric (e.g., humanized) antibodies, which may be produced by themodification of whole antibodies or those synthesized de novo usingrecombinant DNA technologies. These functional antibody fragments retainthe ability to selectively bind with their respective antigen orreceptor. Antibodies and antibody fragments can be from any class ofantibodies including, but not limited to, IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, and IgE,and from any subclass (e.g., IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4) of antibodies.The antibody molecules can be monoclonal or polyclonal. The antibody canalso be a human, humanized, CDR-grafted, or in vitro generated antibody.The antibody can have a heavy chain constant region chosen from, e.g.,IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4. The antibody can also have a light chainchosen from, e.g., kappa or lambda.

Examples of antigen-binding fragments include: (i) a Fab fragment, amonovalent fragment consisting of the VL, VH, CL and CH1 domains; (ii) aF(ab′)2 fragment, a bivalent fragment comprising two Fab fragmentslinked by a disulfide bridge at the hinge region; (iii) a Fd fragmentconsisting of the VH and CH1 domains; (iv) a Fv fragment consisting ofthe VL and VH domains of a single arm of an antibody, (v) a diabody(dAb) fragment, which consists of a VH domain; (vi) a camelid orcamelized variable domain; (vii) a single chain Fv (scFv), see e.g.,Bird et al. (1988) Science 242:423-426; and Huston et al. (1988) Proc.Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:5879-5883); (viii) a single domain antibody.These antibody fragments are obtained using conventional techniquesknown to those with skill in the art, and the fragments are screened forutility in the same manner as are intact antibodies.

Antibody molecules can also be single domain antibodies. Single domainantibodies can include antibodies whose complementary determiningregions are part of a single domain polypeptide. Examples include, butare not limited to, heavy chain antibodies, antibodies naturally devoidof light chains, single domain antibodies derived from conventional4-chain antibodies, engineered antibodies and single domain scaffoldsother than those derived from antibodies. Single domain antibodies maybe any of the art, or any future single domain antibodies. Single domainantibodies may be derived from any species including, but not limited tomouse, human, camel, llama, fish, shark, goat, rabbit, and bovine. Inone aspect of the invention, a single domain antibody can be derivedfrom a variable region of the immunoglobulin found in fish, such as, forexample, that which is derived from the immunoglobulin isotype known asNovel Antigen Receptor (NAR) found in the serum of shark. Methods ofproducing single domain antibodies derivied from a variable region ofNAR (“IgNARs”) are described in WO 03/014161 and Streltsov (2005)Protein Sci. 14:2901-2909. According to another aspect of the invention,a single domain antibody is a naturally occurring single domain antibodyknown as heavy chain antibody devoid of light chains. Such single domainantibodies are disclosed in WO 9404678, for example. For clarityreasons, this variable domain derived from a heavy chain antibodynaturally devoid of light chain is known herein as a VHH or nanobody todistinguish it from the conventional VH of four chain immunoglobulins.Such a VHH molecule can be derived from antibodies raised in Camelidaespecies, for example in camel, llama, dromedary, alpaca and guanaco.Other species besides Camelidae may produce heavy chain antibodiesnaturally devoid of light chain; such VHHs are within the scope of theinvention.

The VH and VL regions can be subdivided into regions ofhypervariability, termed “complementarity determining regions” (CDR),interspersed with regions that are more conserved, termed “frameworkregions” (FR). The extent of the framework region and CDRs has beenprecisely defined by a number of methods (see, Kabat, E. A., et al.(1991) Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, Fifth Edition,U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NIH Publication No.91-3242; Chothia, C. et al. (1987) J. Mol. Biol. 196:901-917; and theAbM definition used by Oxford Molecular's AbM antibody modellingsoftware. See, generally, e.g., Protein Sequence and Structure Analysisof Antibody Variable Domains. In: Antibody Engineering Lab Manual (Ed.:Duebel, S. and Kontermann, R., Springer-Verlag, Heidelberg). Generally,unless specifically indicated, the following definitions are used: AbMdefinition of CDR1 of the heavy chain variable domain and Kabatdefinitions for the other CDRs. In addition, embodiments of theinvention described with respect to Kabat or AbM CDRs may also beimplemented using Chothia hypervariable loops. Each VH and VL typicallyincludes three CDRs and four FRs, arranged from amino-terminus tocarboxy-terminus in the following order: FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, FR3,CDR3, FR4.

As used herein, an “immunoglobulin variable domain sequence” refers toan amino acid sequence which can form the structure of an immunoglobulinvariable domain. For example, the sequence may include all or part ofthe amino acid sequence of a naturally-occurring variable domain. Forexample, the sequence may or may not include one, two, or more N- orC-terminal amino acids, or may include other alterations that arecompatible with formation of the protein structure.

The term “antigen-binding site” refers to the part of an antibodymolecule that comprises determinants that form an interface that bindsto LINGO-1, or an epitope thereof. With respect to proteins (or proteinmimetics), the antigen-binding site typically includes one or more loops(of at least four amino acids or amino acid mimics) that form aninterface that binds to LINGO-1. Typically, the antigen-binding site ofan antibody molecule includes at least one or two CDRs, or moretypically at least three, four, five or six CDRs.

The terms “monoclonal antibody” or “monoclonal antibody composition” asused herein refer to a preparation of antibody molecules of singlemolecular composition. A monoclonal antibody composition displays asingle binding specificity and affinity for a particular epitope. Amonoclonal antibody can be made by hybridoma technology or by methodsthat do not use hybridoma technology (e.g., recombinant methods).

An “effectively human” protein is a protein that does not evoke aneutralizing antibody response, e.g., the human anti-murine antibody(HAMA) response. HAMA can be problematic in a number of circumstances,e.g., if the antibody molecule is administered repeatedly, e.g., intreatment of a chronic or recurrent disease condition. A HAMA responsecan make repeated antibody administration potentially ineffectivebecause of an increased antibody clearance from the serum (see, e.g.,Saleh et al., Cancer Immunol. Immunother., 32:180-190 (1990)) and alsobecause of potential allergic reactions (see, e.g., LoBuglio et al.,Hybridoma, 5:5117-5123 (1986)).

In certain embodiments, the antibody molecule can be a monoclonal orsingle specificity antibody, or an antigen-binding fragment thereof(e.g., an Fab, F(ab′)₂, Fv, a single chain Fv fragment, a single domainantibody, a diabody (dAb), a bivalent or bispecific antibody or fragmentthereof, a single domain variant thereof) that binds to LINGO-1, e.g., amammalian (e.g., human LINGO-1 (or a functional variant thereof)). Inone embodiment, the antibody molecule is a monoclonal antibody againstLINGO-1, e.g., human LINGO-1. Typically, the antibody molecule is ahuman, humanized, a CDR-grafted, chimeric, camelid, or in vitrogenerated antibody to human LINGO-1 (or functional fragment thereof,e.g., an antibody fragment as described herein). Typically, the antibodyinhibits, reduces or neutralizes one or more activities of LINGO-1(e.g., one or more biological activities of LINGO-1 as describedherein).

In certain embodiments, the antibody molecule specifically binds to thesame, or substantially the same, LINGO-1 epitope as the referencemonoclonal antibody Li62 or Li81, described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,058,406,incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. Exemplary anti-LINGO-1antibody molecules are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,058,406. In oneembodiment, antibody molecule includes at least the antigen-bindingdomains of Li62, Li81. As used herein, the term “antigen binding domain”includes a site that specifically binds an epitope on an antigen (e.g.,an epitope of LINGO-1). The antigen binding domain of an antibodytypically includes at least a portion of an immunoglobulin heavy chainvariable region and at least a portion of an immunoglobulin light chainvariable region. The binding site formed by these variable regionsdetermines the specificity of the antibody.

In other embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule competitivelyinhibits Li62 or Li81 from binding to LINGO-1.

In certain embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule specificallyor preferentially binds to a particular LINGO-1 polypeptide fragment ordomain. Such LINGO-1 polypeptide fragments include, but are not limitedto, a LINGO-1 polypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, orconsisting of amino acids 34 to 532; 34 to 417; 34 to 425; 34 to 493; 66to 532; 66 to 417; 66 to 426; 66 to 493; 66 to 532; 417 to 532; 417 to425 (the LINGO-1 basic region); 417 to 493; 417 to 532; 419 to 493 (theLINGO-11 g region); or 425 to 532 of SEQ ID NO:51; or a LINGO-1 variantpolypeptide at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% identical to aminoacids 34 to 532; 34 to 417; 34 to 425; 34 to 493; 66 to 532; 66 to 417;66 to 426; 66 to 493; 66 to 532; 417 to 532; 417 to 425 (the LINGO-1basic region); 417 to 493; 417 to 532; 419 to 493 (the LINGO-11 gregion); or 425 to 532 of SEQ ID NO:51.

In certain embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule specificallyor preferentially binds to a LINGO-1 peptide fragment comprising,consisting essentially of, or consisting of one or moreleucine-rich-repeats (LRR) of LINGO-1. Such fragments, include, forexample, fragments comprising, consisting essentially of, or consistingof amino acids 66 to 89; 66 to 113; 66 to 137; 90 to 113; 114 to 137;138 to 161; 162 to 185; 186 to 209; 210 to 233; 234 to 257; 258 to 281;282 to 305; 306 to 329; or 330 to 353 of SEQ ID NO:51. Correspondingfragments of a variant LINGO-1 polypeptide at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%,90%, or 95% identical to amino acids 66 to 89; 66 to 113; 90 to 113; 114to 137; 138 to 161; 162 to 185; 186 to 209; 210 to 233; 234 to 257; 258to 281; 282 to 305; 306 to 329; or 330 to 353 of SEQ ID NO:51 are alsocontemplated.

In certain embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule specificallyor preferentially binds to a fragment comprising, consisting essentiallyof, or consisting of one or more cysteine rich regions flanking the LRRof LINGO-1. Such fragments, include, for example, a fragment comprising,consisting essentially of, or consisting of amino acids 34 to 64 of SEQID NO:51 (the N-terminal LRR flanking region (LRRNT)), or a fragmentcomprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of amino acids 363to 416 of SEQ ID NO:51 (the C-terminal LRR flanking region (LRRCT)),amino acids Corresponding fragments of a variant LINGO-1 polypeptide atleast 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% identical to amino acids 34 to 64and 363 to 416 of SEQ ID NO:51 are also contemplated.

In certain embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule specificallyor preferentially binds to a fragment comprising, consisting essentiallyof, or consisting of amino acids 41 to 525 of SEQ ID NO:51; 40 to 526 ofSEQ ID NO:51; 39 to 527 of SEQ ID NO:51; 38 to 528 of SEQ ID NO:51; 37to 529 of SEQ ID NO:51; 36 to 530 of SEQ ID NO:51; 35 to 531 of SEQ IDNO:51; 34 to 531 of SEQ ID NO:51; 46 to 520 of SEQ ID NO:51; 45 to 521of SEQ ID NO:51; 44 to 522 of SEQ ID NO:51; 43 to 523 of SEQ ID NO:51;and 42 to 524 of SEQ ID NO:51.

In certain embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule specificallyor preferentially binds to a fragment comprising, consisting essentiallyof, or consisting of amino acids 1 to 33 of SEQ ID NO:51; 1 to 35 of SEQID NO:51; 34 to 64 of SEQ ID NO:51; 36 to 64 of SEQ ID NO:51; 66 to 89of SEQ ID NO:51; 90 to 113 of SEQ ID NO:51; 114 to 137 of SEQ ID NO:51;138 to 161 of SEQ ID NO:51; 162 to 185 of SEQ ID NO:51; 186 to 209 ofSEQ ID NO:51; 210 to 233 of SEQ ID NO:51; 234 to 257 of SEQ ID NO:51;258 to 281 of SEQ ID NO:51; 282 to 305 of SEQ ID NO:51; 306 to 329 ofSEQ ID NO:51; 330 to 353 of SEQ ID NO:51; 363 to 416 of SEQ ID NO:51;417 to 424 of SEQ ID NO:51; 419 to 493 of SEQ ID NO:51; and 494 to 551of SEQ ID NO:51.

In certain embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule specificallyor preferentially binds to a fragment comprising, consisting essentiallyof, or consisting of amino acids 1 to 33 of SEQ ID NO:51; 1 to 35 of SEQID NO:51; 1 to 64 of SEQ ID NO:51; 1 to 89 of SEQ ID NO:51; 1 to 113 ofSEQ ID NO:51; 1 to 137 of SEQ ID NO:51; 1 to 161 of SEQ ID NO:51; 1 to185 of SEQ ID NO:51; 1 to 209 of SEQ ID NO:51; 1 to 233 of SEQ ID NO:51;1 to 257 of SEQ ID NO:51; 1 to 281 of SEQ ID NO:51; 1 to 305 of SEQ IDNO:51; 1 to 329 of SEQ ID NO:51; 1 to 353 of SEQ ID NO:51; 1 to 416 ofSEQ ID NO:51; 1 to 424 of SEQ ID NO:51; 1 to 493 of SEQ ID NO:51; 1 to551 of SEQ ID NO:51; 1 to 531 of SEQ ID NO:51 and 1 to 532 of SEQ IDNO:51.

In certain embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule specificallyor preferentially binds to a fragment comprising, consisting essentiallyof, or consisting of amino acids 34 to 64 of SEQ ID NO:51; 34 to 89 ofSEQ ID NO:51; 34 to 113 of SEQ ID NO:51; 34 to 137 of SEQ ID NO:51; 34to 161 of SEQ ID NO:51; 34 to 185 of SEQ ID NO:51; 34 to 209 of SEQ IDNO:51; 34 to 233 of SEQ ID NO:51; 34 to 257 of SEQ ID NO:51; 34 to 281of SEQ ID NO:51; 34 to 305 of SEQ ID NO:51; 34 to 329 of SEQ ID NO:51;34 to 353 of SEQ ID NO:51; 34 to 416 of SEQ ID NO:51; 34 to 424 of SEQID NO:51; 34 to 493 of SEQ ID NO:51; and 34 to 551 of SEQ ID NO:51.

In certain embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule specificallyor preferentially binds to a fragment comprising, consisting essentiallyof, or consisting of amino acids 34 to 530 of SEQ ID NO:51; 34 to 531 ofSEQ ID NO:51; 34 to 532 of SEQ ID NO:51; 34 to 533 of SEQ ID NO:51; 34to 534 of SEQ ID NO:51; 34 to 535 of SEQ ID NO:51; 34 to 536 of SEQ IDNO:51; 34 to 537 of SEQ ID NO:51; 34 to 538 of SEQ ID NO:51; 34 to 539of SEQ ID NO:51; 30 to 532 of SEQ ID NO:51; 31 to 532 of SEQ ID NO:51;32 to 532 of SEQ ID NO:51; 33 to 532 of SEQ ID NO:51; 34 to 532 of SEQID NO:51; 35 to 532 of SEQ ID NO:51; 36 to 532 of SEQ ID NO:51; 30 to531 of SEQ ID NO:51; 31 to 531 of SEQ ID NO:51; 32 to 531 of SEQ IDNO:51; 33 to 531 of SEQ ID NO:51; 34 to 531 of SEQ ID NO:51; 35 to 531of SEQ ID NO:51; and 36 to 531 of SEQ ID NO:51.

In certain embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule specificallyor preferentially binds to a fragment comprising, consisting essentiallyof, or consisting of amino acids 36 to 64 of SEQ ID NO:51; 36 to 89 ofSEQ ID NO:51; 36 to 113 of SEQ ID NO:51; 36 to 137 of SEQ ID NO:51; 36to 161 of SEQ ID NO:51; 36 to 185 of SEQ ID NO:51; 36 to 209 of SEQ IDNO:51; 36 to 233 of SEQ ID NO:51; 36 to 257 of SEQ ID NO:51; 36 to 281of SEQ ID NO:51; 36 to 305 of SEQ ID NO:51; 36 to 329 of SEQ ID NO:51;36 to 353 of SEQ ID NO:51; 36 to 416 of SEQ ID NO:51; 36 to 424 of SEQID NO:51; 36 to 493 of SEQ ID NO:51; and 36 to 551 of SEQ ID NO:51.

In certain embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule specificallyor preferentially binds to a fragments comprising, consistingessentially of, or consisting of amino acids 36 to 530 of SEQ ID NO:51;36 to 531 of SEQ ID NO:51; 36 to 532 of SEQ ID NO:51; 36 to 533 of SEQID NO:51; 36 to 534 of SEQ ID NO:51; 36 to 535 of SEQ ID NO:51; 36 to536 of SEQ ID NO:51; 36 to 537 of SEQ ID NO:51; 36 to 538 of SEQ IDNO:51; and 36 to 539 of SEQ ID NO:51.

In certain embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule specificallyor preferentially binds to a fragment comprising, consisting essentiallyof, or consisting of amino acids 417 to 493 of SEQ ID NO:51; 417 to 494of SEQ ID NO:51; 417 to 495 of SEQ ID NO:51; 417 to 496 of SEQ ID NO:51;417 to 497 of SEQ ID NO:51; 417 to 498 of SEQ ID NO:51; 417 to 499 ofSEQ ID NO:51; 417 to 500 of SEQ ID NO:51; 417 to 492 of SEQ ID NO:51;417 to 491 of SEQ ID NO:51; 412 to 493 of SEQ ID NO:51; 413 to 493 ofSEQ ID NO:51; 414 to 493 of SEQ ID NO:51; 415 to 493 of SEQ ID NO:51;416 to 493 of SEQ ID NO:51; 411 to 493 of SEQ ID NO:51; 410 to 493 ofSEQ ID NO:51; 410 to 494 of SEQ ID NO:51; 411 to 494 of SEQ ID NO:51;412 to 494 of SEQ ID NO:51; 413 to 494 of SEQ ID NO:51; 414 to 494 ofSEQ ID NO:51; 415 to 494 of SEQ ID NO:51; 416 to 494 of SEQ ID NO:51;417 to 494 of SEQ ID NO:51; and 418 to 494 of SEQ ID NO:51.

In certain embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule specificallyor preferentially binds to a LINGO-1 polypeptide comprising, consistingessentially of, or consisting of peptides of the Ig domain of LINGO-1 orfragments, variants, or derivatives of such polypeptides. Specifically,polypeptides comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of thefollowing polypeptide sequences: ITX₁X₂X₃ (SEQ ID NO:88), ACX₁X₂X₃ (SEQID NO:89), VCX₁X₂X₃ (SEQ ID NO:90) and SPX₁X₂X₃ (SEQ ID NO:91) where X₁is lysine, arginine, histidine, glutamine, or asparagine, X₂ is lysine,arginine, histidine, glutamine, or asparagine and X₃ is lysine,arginine, histidine, glutamine, or asparagine. For example, LINGO-1peptide fragments to which certain antibody molecules can bind include,those fragments comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting ofthe following polypeptide sequences: SPRKH (SEQ ID NO:92), SPRKK (SEQ IDNO:93), SPRKR (SEQ ID NO:94), SPKKH (SEQ ID NO:95), SPHKH (SEQ IDNO:96), SPRRH (SEQ ID NO:97), SPRHH (SEQ ID NO:98), SPRRR (SEQ IDNO:99), SPHHH (SEQ ID NO:100) SPKKK (SEQ ID NO:101), LSPRKH (SEQ IDNO:102), LSPRKK (SEQ ID NO:103), LSPRKR (SEQ ID NO:104), LSPKKH (SEQ IDNO:105), LSPHKH (SEQ ID NO:106), LSPRRH (SEQ ID NO:107), LSPRHH (SEQ IDNO:108), LSPRRR (SEQ ID NO:109), LSPHHH (SEQ ID NO:110) LSPKKK (SEQ IDNO:111), WLSPRKH (SEQ ID NO:112), WLSPRKK (SEQ ID NO:113), WLSPRKR (SEQID NO:114), WLSPKKH (SEQ ID NO:115), WLSPHKH (SEQ ID NO:116), WLSPRRH(SEQ ID NO:117), WLSPRHH (SEQ ID NO:118), WLSPRRR (SEQ ID NO:119),WLSPHHH (SEQ ID NO:120) WLSPKKK (SEQ ID NO:121). These LINGO-1polypeptides include the basic “RKH loop” (Arginine-Lysine-Histidineamino acids 456-458) in the Ig domain of LINGO-1. Additional LINGO-1peptides which include a basic tripeptide are ITPKRR (SEQ ID NO:122),ACHHK (SEQ ID NO:123) and VCHHK (SEQ ID NO:124).

In certain embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule specificallyor preferentially binds to a LINGO-1 polypeptide comprising, consistingessentially of, or consisting of peptides of the Ig domain of LINGO-1 orfragments, variants, or derivatives of such polypeptides. Specifically,peptides comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of thefollowing polypeptide sequences: X₄X₅RKH (SEQ ID NO:125), X₄X₅RRR (SEQID NO:126), X₄X₅KKK (SEQ ID NO:127), X₄X₅HHH (SEQ ID NO:128), X₄X₅RKK(SEQ ID NO:129), X₄X₅RKR (SEQ ID NO:130), X₄X₅KKH (SEQ ID NO:131),X₄X₅HKH (SEQ ID NO:132), X₄X₅RRH (SEQ ID NO:133) and X₄X₅RHH (SEQ IDNO:134) where X₄ is any amino acid and X₅ is any amino acid.

In certain embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule specificallyor preferentially binds to a LINGO-1 polypeptide comprising, consistingessentially of, or consisting of peptides of the Ig domain of LINGO-1 orfragments, variants, or derivatives of such polypeptides. Specifically,polypeptides comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of thefollowing polypeptide sequences: ITX₆X₇X₈ (SEQ ID NO:135), ACX₆X₇X₈ (SEQID NO:136), VCX₆X₇X₈ (SEQ ID NO:137) and SPX₆X₇X₈ (SEQ ID NO:138) whereX₆ is lysine, arginine, histidine, glutamine, or asparagine, X₇ is anyamino acid and X₈ is lysine, arginine, histidine, glutamine, orasparagine. For example, a polypeptide comprising, consistingessentially of, or consisting of the following polypeptide sequence:SPRLH (SEQ ID NO:139).

In certain embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule specificallyor preferentially binds to a LINGO-1 polypeptide comprising, consistingessentially of, or consisting of peptides which contain amino acids452-458 in the Ig domain of LINGO-1, or derivatives thereof, whereinamino acid 452 is a tryptophan or phenylalanine residue.

In certain embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule specificallyor preferentially binds to a LINGO-1 polypeptide comprising, consistingessentially of, or consisting of peptides of the basic domain ofLINGO-1. Specifically, peptides comprising, consisting essentially of,or consisting of the following polypeptide sequences: RRARIRDRK (SEQ IDNO:140), KKVKVKEKR (SEQ ID NO:141), RRLRLRDRK (SEQ ID NO:142), RRGRGRDRK(SEQ ID NO:143) and RRIRARDRK (SEQ ID NO:144).

Additional exemplary soluble LINGO-1 polypeptides and methods andmaterials for obtaining these molecules for producing antibodies orantibody fragments of the present invention may be found, e.g., inInternational Patent Application No. PCT/US2004/008323, incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

Methods of making antibodies are known in the art and described herein.Once antibodies to various fragments of, or to the full-length LINGO-1without the signal sequence, have been produced, determining which aminoacids, or epitope, of LINGO-1 to which the antibody or antigen bindingfragment binds can be determined by epitope mapping protocols asdescribed herein as well as methods known in the art (e.g. doubleantibody-sandwich ELISA as described in “Chapter 11—Immunology,” CurrentProtocols in Molecular Biology, Ed. Ausubel et al., v.2, John Wiley &Sons, Inc. (1996)). Additional epitope mapping protocols may be found inMorris, G. Epitope Mapping Protocols, New Jersey: Humana Press (1996),which are both incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.Epitope mapping can also be performed by commercially available means(i.e. ProtoPROBE, Inc. (Milwaukee, Wis.)).

Additionally, antibodies produced which bind to any portion of LINGO-1can then be screened for their ability to act as an antagonist ofLINGO-1 and thus promote neurite outgrowth, neuronal and oligodendrocytesurvival, proliferation and differentiation, as well as enhancemyelination. Antibodies can be screened for oligodendrocyte/neuronalsurvival for example by using the methods described herein such as inExamples 11 or 12 or as described in PCT/US2008/000316, filed Jan. 9,2008, and PCT/US2006/026271, filed Jul. 7, 2006, which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entireties. Additionally, antibodies can bescreened for example by their ability to enhance myelination by usingthe methods described herein such as in Examples 2, 6, 9, 10, 11 or 13or as described in PCT/US2008/000316 and/or PCT/US2006/026271. Finally,antibodies can be screened for their ability to promote oligodendrocyteproliferation and differentiation, as well as neurite outgrowth forexample by using the methods described herein such as in Examples 4 or 5or as described in PCT/US2008/000316 and/or PCT/US2006/026271. Otherantagonist functions of antibodies of the present invention can betested using other assays as described in the Examples of U.S. Pat. No.8,058,406, incorporated by reference herein.

In certain embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule specificallyor preferentially binds to at least one epitope of LINGO-1, where theepitope comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of at leastabout four to five amino acids of SEQ ID NO:5, at least seven, at leastnine, or between at least about 15 to about 30 amino acids of SEQ IDNO:5. The amino acids of a given epitope of SEQ ID NO:51 as describedmay be, but need not be contiguous or linear. In certain embodiments,the at least one epitope of LINGO-1 comprises, consists essentially of,or consists of a non-linear epitope formed by the extracellular domainof LINGO-1 as expressed on the surface of a cell or as a solublefragment, e.g., fused to an IgG Fc region. Thus, in certain embodimentsthe at least one epitope of LINGO-1 comprises, consists essentially of,or consists of at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 7, at least8, at least 9, at least 10, at least 15, at least 20, at least 25,between about 15 to about 30, or at least 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40,45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 100 contiguous ornon-contiguous amino acids of SEQ ID NO:51, where the non-contiguousamino acids form an epitope through protein folding.

In other embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule specifically orpreferentially binds to at least one epitope of LINGO-1, where theepitope comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of, in additionto one, two, three, four, five, six or more contiguous or non-contiguousamino acids of SEQ ID NO:51 as described above, and an additional moietywhich modifies the protein, e.g., a carbohydrate moiety may be includedsuch that the LINGO-1 antibody binds with higher affinity to modifiedtarget protein than it does to an unmodified version of the protein.Alternatively, the LINGO-1 antibody does not bind the unmodified versionof the target protein at all.

In certain embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule specificallyor preferentially binds to a LINGO-1 polypeptide or fragment thereof, ora LINGO-1 variant polypeptide, with an affinity characterized by adissociation constant (K_(D)) which is less than the K_(D) for saidreference monoclonal antibody.

In certain embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule specificallyor preferentially binds to at least one epitope of LINGO-1 or fragmentor variant described above, i.e., binds to such an epitope more readilythan it would bind to an unrelated, or random epitope; bindspreferentially to at least one epitope of LINGO-1 or fragment or variantdescribed above, i.e., binds to such an epitope more readily than itwould bind to a related, similar, homologous, or analogous epitope;competitively inhibits binding of a reference antibody which itselfbinds specifically or preferentially to a certain epitope of LINGO-1 orfragment or variant described above; or binds to at least one epitope ofLINGO-1 or fragment or variant described above with an affinitycharacterized by a dissociation constant K_(D) of less than about 5×10⁻²M, about 10⁻² M, about 5×10⁻³ M, about 10⁻³M, about 5×10⁻⁴ M, about 10⁻⁴M, about 5×10⁻⁵ M, about 10⁻⁵ M, about 5×10⁻⁶ M, about 10⁻⁶ M, about5×10⁻⁷ M, about 10⁻⁷ M, about 5×10⁻⁸ M, about 10⁻⁸ M, about 5×10⁻⁹ M,about 10⁻⁹ M, about 5×10⁻¹⁰ M, about 10⁻¹⁰¹ M, about 5×10⁻¹¹ M, about10⁻¹¹ M, about 5×10⁻¹² M, about 10⁻¹² M, about 5×10⁻¹³ M, about 10⁻¹³ M,about 5×10⁻¹⁴ M, about 10⁻¹⁴ M, about 5×10⁻¹⁵ M, about 10⁻¹⁵ M. In aparticular aspect, the antibody or fragment thereof preferentially bindsto a human LINGO-1 polypeptide or fragment thereof, relative to a murineLINGO-1 polypeptide or fragment thereof.

In other embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule binds LINGO-1polypeptides or fragments or variants thereof with an off rate (k(off))of less than or equal to 5×10⁻² sec⁻¹, 10⁻² sec⁻¹, 5×10⁻³ sec⁻¹ or 10⁻³sec⁻¹. Alternatively, an antibody, or antigen-binding fragment, variant,or derivative thereof of the invention binds LINGO-1 polypeptides orfragments or variants thereof with an off rate (k(off)) of less than orequal to 5×10⁻⁴ sec¹, 10⁻⁴ sec¹, 5×10⁻⁵ sec¹ or 10⁻⁵ sec¹, 5×10⁻⁶ sec¹,10⁻⁶ sec¹, 5×10⁻⁷ sec¹ or 10⁻⁷ sec¹.

In other embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule binds LINGO-1polypeptides or fragments or variants thereof with an on rate (k(on)) ofgreater than or equal to 10³ M⁻¹sec⁻¹, 5×10³ M⁻¹sec⁻¹, 10⁴ M⁻¹sec⁻¹,5×10⁴ M⁻¹ sec⁻¹. Alternatively, the antibody molecule binds LINGO-1polypeptides or fragments or variants thereof with an on rate (k(on))greater than or equal to 10⁵ M⁻¹sec⁻¹, 5×10⁵ M⁻¹sec⁻¹, 10⁶ M⁻¹sec⁻¹,5×10⁶ M⁻¹sec⁻¹, or 10⁷ M⁻¹sec⁻¹, 5×10⁷ M⁻¹sec⁻¹.

In other embodiments, the LINGO-1 antibody molecule is an antagonist ofLINGO-1 activity. In certain embodiments, for example, binding of anantagonist LINGO-1 antibody to LINGO-1, as expressed on neurons, blocksmyelin-associated neurite outgrowth inhibition or neuronal cell death.In other embodiments, binding of the LINGO-1 antibody to LINGO-1, asexpressed on oligodendrocytes, blocks inhibition of oligodendrocytegrowth or differentiation, or blocks demyelination or dysmyelination ofCNS neurons.

Modified forms of LINGO-1 antibody molecules can be made from wholeprecursor or parent antibodies using techniques known in the art.Exemplary techniques are discussed in more detail herein.

In certain embodiments, the antibody molecule can be recombinantlyproduced, e.g., produced by phage display or by combinatorial methods.Phage display and combinatorial methods for generating anti-LINGO-1antibodies are known in the art (as described in, e.g., Ladner et al.U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,409; Kang et al. International Publication No. WO92/18619; Dower et al. International Publication No. WO 91/17271; Winteret al. International Publication WO 92/20791; Markland et al.International Publication No. WO 92/15679; Breitling et al.International Publication WO 93/01288; McCafferty et al. InternationalPublication No. WO 92/01047; Garrard et al. International PublicationNo. WO 92/09690; Ladner et al. International Publication No. WO90/02809; Fuchs et al. (1991) Bio/Technology 9:1370-1372; Hay et al.(1992) Hum Antibod Hybridomas 3:81-85; Huse et al. (1989) Science246:1275-1281; Griffths et al. (1993) EMBO J 12:725-734; Hawkins et al.(1992) J Mol Biol 226:889-896; Clackson et al. (1991) Nature352:624-628; Gram et al. (1992) PNAS 89:3576-3580; Garrad et al. (1991)Bio/Technology 9:1373-1377; Hoogenboom et al. (1991) Nuc Acid Res19:4133-4137; and Barbas et al. (1991) PNAS 88:7978-7982, the contentsof all of which are incorporated by reference herein).

In one embodiment, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody is a fully human antibody(e.g., an antibody made in a mouse which has been genetically engineeredto produce an antibody from a human immunoglobulin sequence), or anon-human antibody, e.g., a rodent (mouse or rat), goat, primate (e.g.,monkey), camel antibody. The non-human antibody can be a rodent (mouseor rat antibody). Method of producing rodent antibodies are known in theart.

Human monoclonal antibodies can be generated using transgenic micecarrying the human immunoglobulin genes rather than the mouse system.Splenocytes from these transgenic mice immunized with the antigen ofinterest are used to produce hybridomas that secrete human mAbs withspecific affinities for epitopes from a human protein (see, e.g., Woodet al. International Application WO 91/00906, Kucherlapati et al. PCTpublication WO 91/10741; Lonberg et al. International Application WO92/03918; Kay et al. International Application 92/03917; Lonberg, N. etal. 1994 Nature 368:856-859; Green, L. L. et al. 1994 Nature Genet.7:13-21; Morrison, S. L. et al. 1994 Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA81:6851-6855; Bruggeman et al. 1993 Year Immunol 7:33-40; Tuaillon etal. 1993 PNAS 90:3720-3724; Bruggeman et al. 1991 Eur J Immunol21:1323-1326).

An anti-LINGO-1 antibody can be one in which the variable region, or aportion thereof, e.g., the CDRs, are generated in a non-human organism,e.g., a rat or mouse. Chimeric, CDR-grafted, and humanized antibodiesare within the invention. Antibodies generated in a non-human organism,e.g., a rat or mouse, and then modified, e.g., in the variable frameworkor constant region, to decrease antigenicity in a human are within theinvention.

Chimeric antibodies can be produced by recombinant DNA techniques knownin the art. For example, a gene encoding the Fc constant region of amurine (or other species) monoclonal antibody molecule is digested withrestriction enzymes to remove the region encoding the murine Fc, and theequivalent portion of a gene encoding a human Fc constant region issubstituted (see Robinson et al., International Patent PublicationPCT/US86/02269; Akira, et al., European Patent Application 184,187;Taniguchi, M., European Patent Application 171,496; Morrison et al.,European Patent Application 173,494; Neuberger et al., InternationalApplication WO 86/01533; Cabilly et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,567; Cabillyet al., European Patent Application 125,023; Better et al. (1988 Science240:1041-1043); Liu et al. (1987) PNAS 84:3439-3443; Liu et al., 1987,J. Immunol. 139:3521-3526; Sun et al. (1987) PNAS 84:214-218; Nishimuraet al., 1987, Canc. Res. 47:999-1005; Wood et al. (1985) Nature314:446-449; and Shaw et al., 1988, J. Natl Cancer Inst. 80:1553-1559).

A humanized or CDR-grafted antibody will have at least one or two butgenerally all three recipient CDRs (of heavy and or light immuoglobulinchains) replaced with a donor CDR. The antibody may be replaced with atleast a portion of a non-human CDR or only some of the CDRs may bereplaced with non-human CDRs. It is only necessary to replace the numberof CDRs required for binding of the humanized antibody to LINGO-1 or afragment thereof.

An antibody can be humanized by methods known in the art. Humanizedantibodies can be generated by replacing sequences of the Fv variableregion which are not directly involved in antigen binding withequivalent sequences from human Fv variable regions. General methods forgenerating humanized antibodies are provided by Morrison, S. L., 1985,Science 229:1202-1207, by Oi et al., 1986, BioTechniques 4:214, and byQueen et al. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,585,089, 5,693,761 and 5,693,762, thecontents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Humanizedor CDR-grafted antibodies can be produced by CDR-grafting or CDRsubstitution, wherein one, two, or all CDRs of an immunoglobulin chaincan be replaced. See e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,225,539; Jones et al. 1986Nature 321:552-525; Verhoeyan et al. 1988 Science 239:1534; Beidler etal. 1988 J. Immunol. 141:4053-4060; Winter U.S. Pat. No. 5,225,539, thecontents of all of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference.Winter describes a CDR-grafting method which may be used to prepare thehumanized antibodies of the present invention (UK Patent Application GB2188638A, filed on Mar. 26, 1987; Winter U.S. Pat. No. 5,225,539), thecontents of which is expressly incorporated by reference.

Also within the scope of the invention are humanized antibodies in whichspecific amino acids have been substituted, deleted or added. Humanizedantibodies can have amino acid substitutions in the framework region,such as to improve binding to the antigen. For example, a humanizedantibody will have framework residues identical to the donor frameworkresidue or to another amino acid other than the recipient frameworkresidue. To generate such antibodies, a selected, small number ofacceptor framework residues of the humanized immunoglobulin chain can bereplaced by the corresponding donor amino acids. Preferred locations ofthe substitutions include amino acid residues adjacent to the CDR, orwhich are capable of interacting with a CDR (see e.g., U.S. Pat. No.5,585,089). Criteria for selecting amino acids from the donor aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,585,089, e.g., columns 12-16 of U.S. Pat.No. 5,585,089, the e.g., columns 12-16 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,585,089, thecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Other techniquesfor humanizing antibodies are described in Padlan et al. EP 519596 A1,published on Dec. 23, 1992.

The anti-LINGO-1 antibody can be a single chain antibody. A single-chainantibody (scFV) may be engineered (see, for example, Colcher, D. et al.(1999) Ann N Y Acad Sci 880:263-80; and Reiter, Y. (1996) Clin CancerRes 2:245-52). The single chain antibody can be dimerized ormultimerized to generate multivalent antibodies having specificities fordifferent epitopes of the same target LINGO-1 protein.

In yet other embodiments, the antibody molecule has a heavy chainconstant region chosen from, e.g., the heavy chain constant regions ofIgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgM, IgA1, IgA2, IgD, and IgE; particularly,chosen from, e.g., the (e.g., human) heavy chain constant regions ofIgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4. In another embodiment, the antibody moleculehas a light chain constant region chosen from, e.g., the (e.g., human)light chain constant regions of kappa or lambda. The constant region canbe altered, e.g., mutated, to modify the properties of the antibody(e.g., to increase or decrease one or more of: Fc receptor binding,antibody glycosylation, the number of cysteine residues, effector cellfunction, and/or complement function). In one embodiment the antibodyhas: effector function; and can fix complement. In other embodiments theantibody does not; recruit effector cells; or fix complement. In anotherembodiment, the antibody has reduced or no ability to bind an Fcreceptor. For example, it is a isotype or subtype, fragment or othermutant, which does not support binding to an Fc receptor, e.g., it has amutagenized or deleted Fc receptor binding region.

LINGO-1 antibody molecules can comprise a constant region which mediatesone or more effector functions. For example, binding of the C1 componentof complement to an antibody constant region may activate the complementsystem. Activation of complement is important in the opsonisation andlysis of cell pathogens. The activation of complement also stimulatesthe inflammatory response and may also be involved in autoimmunehypersensitivity. Further, antibodies bind to receptors on various cellsvia the Fc region, with a Fc receptor binding site on the antibody Fcregion binding to a Fc receptor (FcR) on a cell. There are a number ofFc receptors which are specific for different classes of antibody,including IgG (gamma receptors), IgE (epsilon receptors), IgA (alphareceptors) and IgM (mu receptors). Binding of antibody to Fc receptorson cell surfaces triggers a number of important and diverse biologicalresponses including engulfment and destruction of antibody-coatedparticles, clearance of immune complexes, lysis of antibody-coatedtarget cells by killer cells (also referred to herein asantibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, or ADCC), release ofinflammatory mediators, placental transfer and control of immunoglobulinproduction.

In certain embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule, in which atleast a fraction of one or more of the constant region domains has beendeleted or otherwise altered so as to provide desired biochemicalcharacteristics such as reduced effector functions, the ability tonon-covalently dimerize, increased ability to localize at the site of atumor, reduced serum half-life, or increased serum half-life whencompared with a whole, unaltered antibody of approximately the sameimmunogenicity. For example, certain antibodies for use in thediagnostic and treatment methods described herein are domain deletedantibodies which comprise a polypeptide chain similar to animmunoglobulin heavy chain, but which lack at least a portion of one ormore heavy chain domains. For instance, in certain antibodies, oneentire domain of the constant region of the modified antibody will bedeleted, for example, all or part of the CH2 domain will be deleted.

In certain LINGO-1 antibody molecules, the Fc portion may be mutated todecrease effector function using techniques known in the art. Forexample, the deletion or inactivation (through point mutations or othermeans) of a constant region domain may reduce Fc receptor binding of thecirculating modified antibody thereby increasing tumor localization. Inother cases it may be that constant region modifications consistent withthe instant invention moderate complement binding and thus reduce theserum half life and nonspecific association of a conjugated cytotoxin.Yet other modifications of the constant region may be used to modifydisulfide linkages or oligosaccharide moieties that allow for enhancedlocalization due to increased antigen specificity or antibodyflexibility. The resulting physiological profile, bioavailability andother biochemical effects of the modifications, such as tumorlocalization, biodistribution and serum half-life, may easily bemeasured and quantified using well know immunological techniques withoutundue experimentation.

Exemplary Anti-LINGO-1 Antibody Molecules

In certain embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecules comprise,consist essentially of, or consist of an immunoglobulin heavy chainvariable region (VH), where at least one of the CDRs of the heavy chainvariable region, or at least two the CDRs of the heavy chain variableregion are at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical to reference heavychain CDR1, CDR2, or CDR3 amino acid sequences of Li62 or Li81 orvariants thereof as described in Table 3. Alternatively, the CDR1, CDR2,and CDR3 regions of the VH are at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identicalto reference heavy chain CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 amino acid sequences ofLi62 or Li81 or variants thereof as described in Table 3. Thus,according to this embodiment a heavy chain variable region of theinvention has CDR1, CDR2, or CDR3 polypeptide sequences related to thepolypeptide sequences shown in Table 3. In certain embodiment, theanti-LINGO-1 antibody molecules comprise, consist essentially of, orconsist of the VH polypeptide or a fragment thereof as described inTable 3, or an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95%identical thereto.

TABLE 3 LINGO-1 Antibody VH Sequences VH VH VH Antibody VH SEQUENCE CDR1CDR2 CDR3 Li62 EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSIYPMFWV IYPMF WIGPSG EGHNDRQAPGKGLEWVSWIGPSGGITKYADSVKGRFTISRD (SEQ GITKYA WYFDLNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTATYYCAREGHNDWYFDL ID DSVKG (SEQ IDWGRGTLVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 1) NO: 2) (SEQ ID NO: 4) NO: 3) Li62EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSIYPMFWV IYPMF WIGPSG EGYYD variantRQAPGKGLEWVSWIGPSGGITKYADSVKGRFTISRD (SEQ GITKYA WYFDQ B06NSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTATYYCAREGYYDWYFD ID DSVKG (SEQ IDQWGRGTLVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 53) NO: 2) (SEQ ID NO: 17) NO: 3) Li62EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSIYPMFWV IYPMF WIGPSG EGQYD variantRQAPGKGLEWVSWIGPSGGITKYADSVKGRFTISRD (SEQ GITKYA WYFDV B12NSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTATYYCAREGQYDWYFD ID DSVKG (SEQ IDVWGRGTLVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 54) NO: 2) (SEQ ID NO: 18) NO: 3) Li62EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSIYPMFWV IYPMF WIGPSG EGDYD variantRQAPGKGLEWVSWIGPSGGITKYADSVKGRFTISRD (SEQ GITKYA WYFDL F06NSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTATYYCAREGDYDWYFDL ID DSVKG (SEQ IDWGRGTLVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 55) NO: 2) (SEQ ID NO: 19) NO: 3) Li62EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSIYPMFWV IYPMF WIGPSG EGQYD variantRQAPGKGLEWVSWIGPSGGITKYADSVKGRFTISRD (SEQ GITKYA WYFEL B01NSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTATYYCAREGQYDWYFEL ID DSVKG (SEQ IDWGRGTLVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 56) NO: 2) (SEQ ID NO: 20) NO: 3) Li62EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSIYPMFWV IYPMF WIGPSG EADID variantRQAPGKGLEWVSWIGPSGGITKYADSVKGRFTISRD (SEQ GITKYA WFFDL D09NSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTATYYCAREADIDWFFDL ID DSVKG (SEQ IDWGRGTLVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 57) NO: 2) (SEQ ID NO: 21) NO: 3) Li62EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSIYPMFWV IYPMF WIGPSG EGHYD variantRQAPGKGLEWVSWIGPSGGITKYADSVKGRFTISRD (SEQ GITKYA WYFDL D12NSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTATYYCAREGHYDWYFDL ID DSVKG (SEQ IDWGRGTLVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 58) NO: 2) (SEQ ID NO: 22) NO: 3) Li62EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSIYPMFWV IYPMF WIGPSG EGRYD variantRQAPGKGLEWVSWIGPSGGITKYADSVKGRFTISRD (SEQ GITKYA WYFDP F01NSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTATYYCAREGRYDWYFDP ID DSVKG (SEQ IDWGRGTLVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 59) NO: 2) (SEQ ID NO: 23) NO: 3) Li62EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSIYPMFWV IYPMF WIGPSG EGDYD variantRQAPGKGLEWVSWIGPSGGITKYADSVKGRFTISRD (SEQ GITKYA WYFGL F02NSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTATYYCAREGDYDWYFGL ID DSVKG (SEQ IDWGRGTLVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 60) NO: 2) (SEQ ID NO: 24) NO: 3) Li62EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSIYPMFWV IYPMF WIGPSG EGRYD variantRQAPGKGLEWVSWIGPSGGITKYADSVKGRFTISRD (SEQ GITKYA WYFDL F06NSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTATYYCAREGRYDWYFDL ID DSVKG (SEQ IDWGRGTLVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 61) NO: 2) (SEQ ID NO: 25) NO: 3) Li62EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSIYPMFWV IYPMF WIGPSG ESHIDR variantRQAPGKGLEWVSWIGPSGGITKYADSVKGRFTISRD (SEQ GITKYA YFDL F10NSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTATYYCARESHIDRYFDL ID DSVKG (SEQ IDWGRGTLVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 62) NO: 2) (SEQ ID NO: 26) NO: 3) Li62EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSIYPMFWV IYPMF WIGPSG EGQYD variantRQAPGKGLEWVSWIGPSGGITKYADSVKGRFTISRD (SEQ GITKYA WYFDV G08NSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTATYYCAREGQYDWYFD ID DSVKG (SEQ IDVWGRGTLVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 63) NO: 2) (SEQ ID NO: 27) NO: 3) Li62EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSIYPMFWV IYPMF WIGPSG EGHYN variantRQAPGKGLEWVSWIGPSGGITKYADSVKGRFTISRD (SEQ GITKYA GYFDL H08NSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTATYYCAREGHYNGYFDL ID DSVKG (SEQ IDWGRGTLVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 64) NO: 2) (SEQ ID NO: 28) NO: 3) Li62EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSIYPMFWV IYPMF WIGPSG EGYYD variantRQAPGKGLEWVSWIGPSGGITKYADSVKGRFTISRD (SEQ GITKYA WYFDL C10NSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTATYYCAREGYYDWYFDL ID DSVKG (SEQ IDWGRGTLVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 65) NO: 2) (SEQ ID NO: 29) NO: 3) Li62EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSIYPMFWV IYPMF WIGPSG EGTYD variantRQAPGKGLEWVSWIGPSGGITKYADSVKGRFTISRD (SEQ GITKYA WYLDL C02NSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTATYYCAREGTYDWYLDL ID DSVKG (SEQ IDWGRGTLVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 66) NO: 2) (SEQ ID NO: 30) NO: 3) Li62EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSIYPMFWV IYPMF WIGPSG EGYYD variantRQAPGKGLEWVSWIGPSGGITKYADSVKGRFTISRD (SEQ GITKYA WYFEL D05NSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTATYYCAREGYYDWYFEL ID DSVKG (SEQ IDWGRGTLVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 67) NO: 2) (SEQ ID NO: 31) NO: 3) Li62EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSIYPMFWV IYPMF WIGPSG EGLID variantRQAPGKGLEWVSWIGPSGGITKYADSVKGRFTISRD (SEQ GITKYA WFFDQ F02NSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTATYYCAREGLIDWFFDQ ID DSVKG (SEQ IDWGRGTLVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 68) NO: 2) (SEQ ID NO: 32) NO: 3) Li62EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSIYPMFWV IYPMF WIGPSG EGQFD variantRQAPGKGLEWVSWIGPSGGITKYADSVKGRFTISRD (SEQ GITKYA WYFDL C10NSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTATYYCAREGQFDWYFDL ID DSVKG (SEQ IDWGRGTLVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 69) NO: 2) (SEQ ID NO: 33) NO: 3) Li62EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSIYPMFWV IYPMF WIGPSG EGTYD variantRQAPGKGLEWVSWIGPSGGITKYADSVKGRFTISRD (SEQ GITKYA WYFDL H08NSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTATYYCAREGTYDWYFDL ID DSVKG (SEQ IDWGRGTLVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 70) NO: 2) (SEQ ID NO: 34) NO: 3) Li81EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSAYEMKW AYEM VIGPSG EGDNDVRQAPGKGLEWVSVIGPSGGFTFYADSVKGRFTISRD K (SEQ GFTFYA AFDINSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCATEGDNDAFDIW ID DSVKG (SEQ IDGQGTTVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 5) NO: 6) (SEQ ID NO: 8) NO: 7) Li81EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSAYEMKW AYEM VIGPSG EGEND variantVRQAPGKGLEWVSVIGPSGGFTFYADSVKGRFTISRD K (SEQ GFTFYA AFDV F09NSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCATEGENDAFDVW ID DSVKG (SEQ IDGQGTTVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 71) NO: 6) (SEQ ID NO: 35) NO: 7) Li81EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSAYEMKW AYEM VIGPSG EGDND variantVRQAPGKGLEWVSVIGPSGGFTFYADSVKGRFTISRD K (SEQ GFTFYA AYDT G02NSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCATEGDNDAYDT ID DSVKG (SEQ IDWGQGTTVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 72) NO: 6) (SEQ ID NO: 36) NO: 7) Li81EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSAYEMKW AYEM VIGPSG EGTND variantVRQAPGKGLEWVSVIGPSGGFTFYADSVKGRFTISRD K (SEQ GFTFYA AFDI H03NSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCATEGTNDAFDIW ID DSVKG (SEQ IDGQGTTVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 73) NO: 6) (SEQ ID NO: 37) NO: 7) Li81EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSAYEMKW AYEM VIGPSG EGDND variantVRQAPGKGLEWVSVIGPSGGFTFYADSVKGRFTISRD K (SEQ GFTFYA AFDS A12NSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCATEGDNDAFDSW ID DSVKG (SEQ IDGQGTTVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 74) NO: 6) (SEQ ID NO: 38) NO: 7) Li81EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSAYEMKW AYEM VIGPSG EGDND variantVRQAPGKGLEWVSVIGPSGGFTFYADSVKGRFTISRD K (SEQ GFTFYA AFDT C02NSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCATEGDNDAFDTW ID DSVKG (SEQ IDGQGTTVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 75) NO: 6) (SEQ ID NO: 39) NO: 7) Li81EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSAYEMKW AYEM VIGPSG EGDND variantVRQAPGKGLEWVSVIGPSGGFTFYADSVKGRFTISRD K (SEQ GFTFYA AYDR C11NSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCATEGDNDAYDR ID DSVKG (SEQ IDWGQGTTVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 76) NO: 6) (SEQ ID NO: 40) NO: 7) Li81EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSAYEMKW AYEM VIGPSG EGDND variantVRQAPGKGLEWVSVIGPSGGFTFYADSVKGRFTISRD K (SEQ GFTFYA VFDS D11NSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCATEGDNDVFDSW ID DSVKG (SEQ IDGQGTTVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 77) NO: 6) (SEQ ID NO: 41) NO: 7) Li81EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSAYEMKW AYEM VIGPSG EGDDD variantVRQAPGKGLEWVSVIGPSGGFTFYADSVKGRFTISRD K (SEQ GFTFYA VFDM E05NSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCATEGDDDVFDM ID DSVKG (SEQ IDWGQGTTVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 78) NO: 6) (SEQ ID NO: 42) NO: 7) Li81EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSAYEMKW AYEM VIGPSG EGYND variantVRQAPGKGLEWVSVIGPSGGFTFYADSVKGRFTISRD K (SEQ GFTFYA AFDF H04NSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCATEGYNDAFDFW ID DSVKG (SEQ IDGQGTTVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 79) NO: 6) (SEQ ID NO: 43) NO: 7) Li81EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSAYEMKW AYEM VIGPSG EGDDD variantVRQAPGKGLEWVSVIGPSGGFTFYADSVKGRFTISRD K (SEQ GFTFYA AYDM B04NSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCATEGDDDAYDM ID DSVKG (SEQ IDWGQGTTVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 80) NO: 6) (SEQ ID NO: 44) NO: 7) Li81EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSAYEMKW AYEM VIGPSG EQDYD variantVRQAPGKGLEWVSVIGPSGGFTFYADSVKGRFTISRD K (SEQ GFTFYA TYDL A02NSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCATEQDYDTYDLW ID DSVKG (SEQ IDGQGTTVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 81) NO: 6) (SEQ ID NO: 45) NO: 7) Li81EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSAYEMKW AYEM VIGPSG EGDDD variantVRQAPGKGLEWVSVIGPSGGFTFYADSVKGRFTISRD K (SEQ GFTFYA AFDT B12NSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCATEGDDDAFDTW ID DSVKG (SEQ IDGQGTTVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 82) NO: 6) (SEQ ID NO: 46) NO: 7) Li81EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSAYEMKW AYEM VIGPSG EADDD variantVRQAPGKGLEWVSVIGPSGGFTFYADSVKGRFTISRD K (SEQ GFTFYA AFDI H06NSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCATEADDDAFDIW ID DSVKG (SEQ IDGQGTTVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 83) NO: 6) (SEQ ID NO: 47) NO: 7) Li81EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSAYEMKW AYEM VIGPSG EGEND variantVRQAPGKGLEWVSVIGPSGGFTFYADSVKGRFTISRD K (SEQ GFTFYA AFDM H08NSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCATEGENDAFDM ID DSVKG (SEQ IDWGQGTTVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 84) NO: 6) (SEQ ID NO: 48) NO: 7) Li81EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSAYEMKW AYEM VIGPSG EGEYD variantVRQAPGKGLEWVSVIGPSGGFTFYADSVKGRFTISRD K (SEQ GFTFYA TYDI E07NSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCATEGEYDTYDIW ID DSVKG (SEQ IDGQGTTVTVSS (SEQ ID NO: 85) NO: 6) (SEQ ID NO: 49) NO: 7)

In another embodiment, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule includes apolypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of animmunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (VH), wherein at least theCDR3 region is at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical to a referenceCDR3 sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 4, 8 and17-49. In further embodiments, the CDR3 region is identical to areference CDR3 sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ IDNOs: 4, 8 and 17-49. In still further embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1antibody molecule includes a polypeptide comprising, consistingessentially of, or consisting of an immunoglobulin heavy chain variableregion (VH), wherein, the CDR1 and CDR2 regions are at least 80%, 85%,90%, 95% or 100% identical to the CDR1 and CDR2 amino acid sequences ofSEQ ID NOs: 2 and 3, respectively, and the CDR3 region is at least 80%,85%, 90%, 95% or 100% identical to a CDR3 amino acid sequence selectedfrom the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 4 and 17-34. In otherembodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule includes a polypeptidecomprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of animmunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (VH), wherein the CDR1 andCDR2 regions are at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100% identical to theCDR1 and CDR2 amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 6 and 7, respectively,and the CDR3 region is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100% identical toa CDR3 amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ IDNOs: 8 and 35-49.

In another embodiment, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule includes apolypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of animmunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (VH) in which the CDR1, CDR2,and CDR3 regions have polypeptide sequences which are identical to theCDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 groups shown in Table 3. In certain embodiments,the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule includes the VH polypeptidespecifically or preferentially binds to LINGO-1.

In a further embodiment, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule includes apolypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of a VHpolypeptide at least 80%, 85%, 90% 95% or 100% identical to a referenceVH polypeptide sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 1, 5 and 53-85. In oneparticular embodiment, the VH polypeptide comprises a CDR3 amino acidsequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 4, 8 and17-49.

In certain embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule includes apolypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of a VHpolypeptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 5 and53-85. In certain embodiments, an antibody or antigen-binding fragmentcomprising the VH polypeptide specifically or preferentially binds toLINGO-1.

In another aspect, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule includes a VHcomprising the amino acids of SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 5. In certainembodiments, an antibody or antigen-binding fragment comprising the VHthat specifically or preferentially binds to LINGO-1. In certainembodiments, an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprising,consisting essentially of, or consisting of a VH that specifically orpreferentially binds to the same epitope as Li62, Li81 or a variantthereof as described in Table 3 or will competitively inhibit such amonoclonal antibody from binding to LINGO-1.

In certain embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule includes apolypeptide, comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of animmunoglobulin heavy chain which is identical to the polypeptide of SEQID NO:146 except for a replacement of one or more of the following aminoacids: W50, P53, 157 and/or W104. In some embodiments, W50 is replacedwith an H, F, L, M, G, I, or D residue. In some embodiments, P53 isreplaced with an L, S, T, W, or G residue. In some embodiments, 157 isreplaced with a G, M, N, H, L, F, W, Y, S, P, V or T residue. In someembodiments, W104 is replaced with a V, H, S, Q, M, L, T, or I residue.

In certain embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule includes apolypeptide, comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of animmunoglobulin heavy chain variable region which is identical to thepolypeptide of SEQ ID NO:5 except for a replacement of amino acid P53.In some embodiments, P53 is replaced with an L, S, T, W, or G residue.

In certain embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule includes apolypeptide, comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of animmunoglobulin heavy chain variable region which is identical to thepolypeptide of SEQ ID NO:1 except for a replacement of one or more ofthe following amino acids: W50, P53, 157 and/or W104. In someembodiments, W50 is replaced with an H, F, L, M, G, I, or D residue. Insome embodiments, P53 is replaced with an L, S, T, W, or G residue. Insome embodiments, 157 is replaced with a G, M, N, H, L, F, W, Y, S, P, Vor T residue. In some embodiments, W104 is replaced with a V, H, S, Q,M, L, T, or I residue.

In certain embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule includes apolypeptide, comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of animmunoglobulin heavy chain variable region which is identical to thepolypeptide of SEQ ID NO:66 except for a replacement of one or more ofthe following amino acids: W50, P53, 157 and/or W104. In someembodiments, W50 is replaced with an H, F, L, M, G, I, or D residue. Insome embodiments, P53 is replaced with an L, S, T, W, or G residue. Insome embodiments, 157 is replaced with a G, M, N, H, L, F, W, Y, S, P, Vor T residue. In some embodiments, W104 is replaced with a V, H, S, Q,M, L, T, or I residue.

In certain embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule includes oneor more of the VH polypeptides described above specifically orpreferentially binds to the same epitope as Li62, Li81 or a variantthereof as described in Table 3, or can competitively inhibit such anantibody from binding to LINGO-1.

In another embodiment, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule includes apolypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of animmunoglobulin light chain variable region (VL), where at least one ofthe CDRs of the light chain variable region or at least two of the CDRsof the light chain variable region are at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95%identical to reference heavy chain CDR1, CDR2, or CDR3 amino acidsequences from monoclonal LINGO-1 antibodies disclosed herein.Alternatively, the CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 regions of the VL are at least80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical to reference light chain CDR1, CDR2, andCDR3 amino acid sequences from monoclonal LINGO-1 antibodies disclosedherein. Thus, according to this embodiment a light chain variable regionof the antibody molecule has CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 polypeptide sequencesrelated to the polypeptides shown in Table 4. In certain embodiments,the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule comprising the VL polypeptidespecifically or preferentially binds to LINGO-1.

TABLE 4 LINGO-1 Antibody VL Sequences Anti- VL VL VL body VL SEQUENCECDR1 CDR2 CDR3 Li62 DIQMTQSPSFLSASVGDSV RASQDI DASNL QQYDTAITCRASQDISRYLAWYQQ SRYLA QT LHPS RPGKAPKLLIYDASNLQTG (SEQ ID (SEQ ID(SEQ ID VPSRFSGSGSGTDFTFTIT NO: 10) NO: 11) NO: 12) SLQPEDFGTYYCQQYDTLHPSFGPGTTVDIK (SEQ ID NO: 9) Li81 DIQMTQSPATLSLSPGERA RASQSV DASNR QQRSNTLSCRASQSVSSYLAWYQQ SSYLA AT WPMYT KPGQAPRLLIYDASNRATG (SEQ ID (SEQ ID(SEQ ID IPARFSGSGSGTDFTLTIS NO: 14) NO: 15) NO: 16) SLEPEDFAVYYCQQRSNWPMYTFGQGTKLEIK (SEQ ID NO: 13)

In another embodiment, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule includes apolypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of animmunoglobulin light chain variable region (VL) in which the CDR1, CDR2,and CDR3 regions have polypeptide sequences which are identical to theCDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 groups shown in Table 4. In certain embodiments, anantibody or antigen-binding fragment comprising the VL polypeptidespecifically or preferentially binds to LINGO-1.

In a further embodiment, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule includes apolypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of a VLpolypeptide at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical to a reference VLpolypeptide sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 9 or SEQ ID NO: 13, shownin Table 4. In certain embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody moleculeincludes comprising the VL polypeptide specifically or preferentiallybinds to LINGO-1. In another aspect, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody moleculeincludes a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, orconsisting of a VL polypeptide selected from SEQ ID NO: 9 or SEQ ID NO:13, shown in Table 4. In certain embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibodymolecule comprising the VL polypeptide specifically or preferentiallybinds to LINGO-1.

In certain embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule includes apolypeptide consisting essentially of, or consisting of animmunoglobulin light chain which is identical to the polypeptide of SEQID NO:145 except for a replacement of amino acid W94. In someembodiments, W94 is replaced with an A, D, L, N, G, Q, V, or S residue.

In certain embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule includes apolypeptide, comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of animmunoglobulin light chain variable region which is identical to thepolypeptide of SEQ ID NO:5 except for a replacement of amino acid W94.In some embodiments, W94 is replaced with an A, D, L, N, G, Q, V, or Sresidue.

In certain embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule includes apolypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, one or more of the VLpolypeptides described above specifically or preferentially binds to thesame epitope as Li62 or Li81, or will competitively inhibit such amonoclonal antibody from binding to LINGO-1.

In other embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule comprises,consists essentially of or consists of a VH polypeptide, as shown inTable 3, and a VL polypeptide, as shown in Table 4, selected from thegroup consisting of: i) SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NOs: 53-70 and SEQ ID NO:9; and iii) SEQ ID NO: 5 or SEQ ID NOs: 71-85 and SEQ ID NO: 13.

In some embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule comprises,consists essentially of or consists of an antibody heavy chain as shownbelow in SEQ ID NO:86, or an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%or 95% identical thereto.

(SEQ ID NO: 86) EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSAYEMKWVRQAPGKGLEWVSVIGPSGGFTFYADISVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCATEGDNDAFDIWGQGTTVTVSSASTKGPISVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTIVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKKVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLIMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYNSTYRVVSVLTVLHQDIWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSRDELTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSIDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTIQKSLS LSPG

In other embodiments, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule comprises,consists essentially of or consists of an aglycosylated version of anantibody heavy chain. For example, an aglycosylated version of Li81 isdescribed in PCT/US2008/000316, filed Jan. 9, 2008 and U.S. Pat. No.8,128,926, which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.An aglycosylated version of the Li81 antibody was created by changing asingle amino acid (T to A) in the Li81 heavy chain sequence. Thesequence of an aglycosylated version of Li81 heavy chain (SEQ ID NO:501is shown below. The single amino acid change is marked in bold andunderlined:

(SEQ ID NO: 50) EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSAYEMKWVRQAPGKGLEWVSVIGPSGGFTFYADISVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCATEGDNDAFDIWGQGTTVTVSSASTKGPISVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTIVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKKVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLIMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNW YVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYNS AYRVVSVLTVLHQDIWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSRDELTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSIDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTIQKSLS LSPG.

The anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule includes a heavy chain at least 80%,85%, 90% or 95% identical to a reference polypeptide comprising theamino acids of SEQ ID NO:50 or 86. In certain embodiments, an antibodyor antigen-binding fragment comprising the heavy chain specifically orpreferentially binds to LINGO-1.

In one embodiment, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule is a fully humananti-LINGO-1 monoclonal antibody engineered into an aglycosylimmunoglobulin G subclass 1 (IgG1) framework to reduce effector function(also referred to herein as anti-LINGO-1 Antibody 1. Histological andfunctional evaluations of LINGO-1 knock-out mice have been performed,and in vivo pharmacological activity of anti-LINGO-1 Antibody 1 has beendemonstrated in several animal models of demyelination. Anti-LINGO-1Antibody 1 has been characterized in vitro and in vivo based on theevaluation of binding characteristics, biological activity, andpharmacological activity. The results of these studies indicate thatanti-LINGO-1 Antibody 1 has the following characteristics described inTable 1.

TABLE 1 Characteristics of Anti-LINGO-1 Antibody 1 Binds to LINGO-1 withsimilar high apparent affinity across human, monkey, rat and mouse. Isselective for LINGO-1 and does not bind the other LINGO family members,LINGO-2, LINGO-3, or LINGO-4. Enhances differentiation of primary rat,monkey, and human oligodendrocytes in vitro. Enhances axonal myelinationin an in vitro rat dorsal root ganglion/OPC co-culture bioassay. Hasreduced Fc (γ) and complement effector functions compared to wild-typeIgG1. Is efficacious in animal models using biochemical and functionalreadouts. Remyelination activity has been demonstrated in the rat LPCmodel following systemic administration from 1 to 100 mg/kg. Functionalrecovery in the rat MOG-EAE model has been demonstrated following weeklysystemic administration of 3 and 10 mg/kg. Is efficacious in animalmodels when given in the presence of interferon β. Is efficacious inanimal models when given in the presence of high dose corticosteroids.

In one embodiment, the antibody molecule includes a VH wherein the VHCDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 comprise the amino acids of SEQ ID NOs: 6, 7, and8, respectively, or an amino acid sequence substantially identicalthereto (e.g., an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95%identical thereto).

In one embodiment, the antibody molecule includes a VH wherein the VHCDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 comprise the amino acids of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 3, and30, respectively, or an amino acid sequence substantially identicalthereto (e.g., an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95%identical thereto).

In another embodiment, the antibody molecule includes a VL wherein theVL CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 comprise the amino acids of SEQ ID NOs: 14, 15,and 16, respectively, or an amino acid sequence substantially identicalthereto (e.g., an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95%identical thereto).

In another embodiment, the antibody molecule includes a VH wherein theVL CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 comprise the amino acids of SEQ ID NOs: 10, 11,and 12, respectively, or an amino acid sequence substantially identicalthereto (e.g., an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95%identical thereto).

In one embodiment, the antibody molecule includes a VH wherein the VHCDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 comprise the amino acids of SEQ ID NOs: 6, 7, and8, respectively; and a VL wherein the VL CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 comprisethe amino acids of SEQ ID NOs: 14, 15, and 16, respectively; or an aminoacid sequence substantially identical thereto (e.g., an amino acidsequence at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical thereto).

In one embodiment, the antibody molecule includes a VH wherein the VHCDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 comprise the amino acids of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 3, and30, respectively; and a VL wherein the VL CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 comprisethe amino acids of SEQ ID NOs: 10, 11, and 12, respectively; or an aminoacid sequence substantially identical thereto (e.g., an amino acidsequence at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical thereto).

In one embodiment, the antibody molecule includes a VH that includes theamino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5, or an amino acid sequencesubstantially identical thereto (e.g., an amino acid sequence at least80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical to said SEQ ID NO: 5).

In one embodiment, the antibody molecule includes a VH that includes theamino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:66, or an amino acid sequencesubstantially identical thereto (e.g., an amino acid sequence at least80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical to said SEQ ID NO: 66).

In one embodiment, the antibody molecule includes a VL that includes theamino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:13, or an amino acid sequencesubstantially identical thereto (e.g., an amino acid sequence at least80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical to said SEQ ID NO: 13).

In one embodiment, the antibody molecule includes a VL that includes theamino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:9, or an amino acid sequencesubstantially identical thereto (e.g., an amino acid sequence at least80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical to said SEQ ID NO: 9).

In one embodiment, the antibody molecule includes a VH that includes theamino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:5, or an amino acid sequencesubstantially identical thereto (e.g., an amino acid sequence at least80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical to said SEQ ID NO: 5); and a VL thatincludes the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13, or an amino acidsequence substantially identical thereto (e.g., an amino acid sequenceat least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical to said SEQ ID NO: 13).

In one embodiment, the antibody molecule includes a VH that includes theamino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:66, or an amino acid sequencesubstantially identical thereto (e.g., an amino acid sequence at least80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical to said SEQ ID NO: 66); and a VL thatincludes the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9, or an amino acidsequence substantially identical thereto (e.g., an amino acid sequenceat least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical to said SEQ ID NO: 9).

In another embodiment, the antibody molecule includes a heavy chain asshown below, comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 275, or asequence substantially identical thereto (e.g., an amino acid sequenceat least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical thereto), as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 275) EVQLLESGGG LVQPGGSLRL SCAASGFTFS AYEMKWVRQAPGKGLEWVSV IGPSGGFTFY ADSVKGRFTI SRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAED TAVYYCATEG DNDAFDIWGQ GTTVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLA PSSKSTSGGT AALGCLVKDY FPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHT FPAVLQSSGL YSLSSVVTVP SSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNT KVDKKVEPKS CDKTHTCPPC PAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKD TLMISRTPEV TCVVVDVSHE DPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKT KPREEQYNSA YRVVSVLTVL HQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALP APIEKTISKA KGQPREPQVY TLPPSRDELTKNQVSLTCLV KGFYPSDIAV EWESNGQPEN NYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSK LTVDKSRWQQ GNVFSCSVMH EALHNHYTQK SLSLSPG.

In other embodiments, the antibody molecule includes a light chain asshown below comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 276, or asequence substantially identical thereto (e.g., an amino acid sequenceat least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical thereto), as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 276) DIQMTQSPAT LSLSPGERAT LSCRASQSVS SYLAWYQQKPGQAPRLLIYD ASNRATGIPA RFSGSGSGTD FTLTISSLEPEDFAVYYCQQ RSNWPMYTFG QGTKLEIKRT VAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGT ASVVCLLNNF YPREAKVQWK VDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSK DSTYSLSSTL TLSKADYEKH KVYACEVTHQ GLSSPVTKSF NRGEC.

Any of the polypeptides described above may further include additionalpolypeptides, e.g., a signal peptide to direct secretion of the encodedpolypeptide, antibody constant regions as described herein, or otherheterologous polypeptides as described herein. Additionally,polypeptides of the invention include polypeptide fragments as describedelsewhere. Additionally polypeptides of the invention include fusionpolypeptide, Fab fragments, and other derivatives, as described herein.

Also, as described in more detail elsewhere herein, the presentinvention includes compositions comprising the polypeptides describedabove.

It will also be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art thatLINGO-1 antibody polypeptides as disclosed herein may be modified suchthat they vary in amino acid sequence from the naturally occurringbinding polypeptide from which they were derived. For example, apolypeptide or amino acid sequence derived from a designated protein maybe similar, e.g., have a certain percent identity to the startingsequence, e.g., it may be 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% identicalto the starting sequence.

Furthermore, nucleotide or amino acid substitutions, deletions, orinsertions leading to conservative substitutions or changes at“non-essential” amino acid regions may be made. For example, apolypeptide or amino acid sequence derived from a designated protein maybe identical to the starting sequence except for one or more individualamino acid substitutions, insertions, or deletions, e.g., one, two,three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, fifteen, twenty or moreindividual amino acid substitutions, insertions, or deletions. Incertain embodiments, a polypeptide or amino acid sequence derived from adesignated protein has one to five, one to ten, one to fifteen, or oneto twenty individual amino acid substitutions, insertions, or deletionsrelative to the starting sequence.

Soluble LINGO Antagonists and Fusion Proteins In another embodiment, thereparative agent, e.g., the antagonist of LINGO-1, is a soluble LINGOmolecule, e.g., a LINGO-1 molecule (e.g., a fragment of LINGO-1), or asoluble form of a component of the LINGO-1 complex (e.g., a soluble formof NgR1, p75, or TAJ (TROY)).

In certain embodiments, a soluble LINGO molecule or a LINGO-1 antibodymolecule comprises an amino acid sequence or one or more moieties notnormally associated with an antibody. Exemplary modifications aredescribed in more detail below. For example, a single-chain fv antibodyfragment of the invention may comprise a flexible linker sequence, ormay be modified to add a functional moiety (e.g., PEG, a drug, a toxin,or a label).

An antibody molecule, a soluble form of LINGO-1, or a complex component,as described herein, can be used alone or functionally linked (e.g., bychemical coupling, genetic or polypeptide fusion, non-covalentassociation or otherwise) to a second moiety, a heterologous moiety,e.g., a heterologous polypeptide. The term “heterologous” as applied toa polynucleotide or a polypeptide, means that a portion with which it isnot naturally linked in nature. For example, the polynucleotide orpolypeptide is derived from a distinct entity from that of the rest ofthe entity to which it is being compared. For instance, as used herein,a “heterologous polypeptide” to be fused to a LINGO-1 antibody moleculeis derived from a non-immunoglobulin polypeptide of the same species, oran immunoglobulin or non-immunoglobulin polypeptide of a differentspecies.

Exemplary heterologous moieties include, but are not limited to, animmunoglobulin Fc domain, serum albumin, pegylation, a GST, Lex-A and anMBP polypeptide sequence. The fusion proteins may additionally include alinker sequence joining the first moiety, e.g., the antibody molecule,the soluble form of LINGO-1 or the complex component, to the secondmoiety. In other embodiments, additional amino acid sequences can beadded to the N- or C-terminus of the fusion protein to facilitateexpression, steric flexibility, detection and/or isolation orpurification. For example, a soluble form of LINGO-1 or a complexcomponent can be fused to a heavy chain constant region of the variousisotypes, including: IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgM, IgA1, IgA2, IgD, andIgE.

It shall be understood that the antibody molecules and soluble or fusionproteins described herein can be functionally linked (e.g., by chemicalcoupling, genetic fusion, non-covalent association or otherwise) to oneor more other molecular entities, such as an antibody (e.g., abispecific or a multispecific antibody), among others.

In one embodiment, the fusion protein includes the extracellular domainof LINGO or the complex component (or a sequence homologous thereto),and, e.g., fused to, a human immunoglobulin Fc chain, e.g., human IgG(e.g., human IgG1 or human IgG2, or a mutated form thereof). The Fcsequence can be mutated at one or more amino acids to reduce effectorcell function, Fc receptor binding and/or complement activity.

In certain embodiments, an anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule can comprise,consist essentially of, or consist of, a fusion protein. Fusion proteinsin this context are chimeric molecules which comprise, for example, animmunoglobulin antigen-binding domain with at least one target bindingsite, and at least one heterologous portion. The amino acid sequencescan normally exist in separate proteins that are brought together in thefusion polypeptide or they may normally exist in the same protein, butare placed in a new arrangement in the fusion polypeptide. Fusionproteins can be created, for example, by chemical synthesis, or bycreating and translating a polynucleotide in which the peptide regionsare encoded in the desired relationship.

Nucleic Acid Molecule/Recombinant Expression

Nucleic acid molecules, host cells and vectors that include a nucleotidesequence encoding any of the polypeptides, e.g., reparative agents andimmunomodulators, described herein, are also encompassed by theinvention.

In one exemplary embodiment, an isolated polynucleotide comprising,consisting essentially of, or consisting of a nucleic acid encoding animmunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (VH) of an anti-LINGO-1antibody molecule, where at least one of the CDRs of the heavy chainvariable region or at least two of the CDRs of the heavy chain variableregion are at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical to reference heavychain CDR1, CDR2, or CDR3 amino acid sequences of Li62 or Li81 orvariants thereof as described in Table 3 is provided. Alternatively, theCDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 regions of the VH are at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95%identical to reference heavy chain CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 amino acidsequences of Li62 or Li81 or variants thereof as described in Table 3.Thus, according to this embodiment, a heavy chain variable region of theinvention has CDR1, CDR2, or CDR3 polypeptide sequences related to thepolypeptide sequences shown in Table 3.

In another exemplary embodiment, an isolated polynucleotide comprising,consisting essentially of, or consisting of a nucleic acid encoding animmunoglobulin light chain variable region (VL) of an anti-LINGO-1antibody molecule, where at least one of the CDRs of the light chainvariable region or at least two of the CDRs of the light chain variableregion are at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identical to reference lightchain CDR1, CDR2, or CDR3 amino acid sequences from monoclonal LINGO-1antibodies disclosed herein is provided. Alternatively, the CDR1, CDR2,and CDR3 regions of the VL are at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% identicalto reference light chain CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 amino acid sequences frommonoclonal LINGO-1 antibodies disclosed herein. Thus, according to oneembodiment, a light chain variable region of the invention has CDR1,CDR2, or CDR3 polypeptide sequences related to the polypeptide sequencesshown in Table 4.

Any of the polynucleotides described above may further includeadditional nucleic acids, encoding, e.g., a signal peptide to directsecretion of the encoded polypeptide, antibody constant regions asdescribed herein, or other heterologous polypeptides as describedherein.

Compositions comprising the polynucleotides comprising one or more ofthe polynucleotides described above are also disclosed. In oneembodiment, the compositions comprising a first polynucleotide andsecond polynucleotide wherein said first polynucleotide encodes a VHpolypeptide as described herein and wherein said second polynucleotideencodes a VL polypeptide as described herein.

Also disclosed are fragments of the polynucleotides of the invention, asdescribed elsewhere. Additionally polynucleotides which encode fusionpolynucleotides, Fab fragments, and other derivatives, as describedherein, are also contemplated by the invention.

The polynucleotides can be produced or manufactured by any method knownin the art. For example, if the nucleotide sequence of the antibody isknown, a polynucleotide encoding the antibody may be assembled fromchemically synthesized oligonucleotides (e.g., as described in Kutmeieret al., BioTechniques 17:242 (1994)), which, briefly, involves thesynthesis of overlapping oligonucleotides containing portions of thesequence encoding the antibody, annealing and ligating of thoseoligonucleotides, and then amplification of the ligated oligonucleotidesby PCR.

Recombinant expression of a polypeptide described herein, e.g., anantibody molecule that binds to LINGO-1, requires construction of anexpression vector containing the polynucleotide that encodes thepolypeptide, e.g., the antibody molecule. Once a polynucleotide encodingthe antibody molecule or a heavy or light chain of an antibody, orportion thereof (preferably containing the heavy or light chain variabledomain), has been obtained, the vector for the production of theantibody molecule may be produced by recombinant DNA technology usingtechniques known in the art. Thus, methods for preparing a protein byexpressing a polynucleotide containing a polypeptide encoding nucleotidesequence are described herein and in U.S. Pat. No. 8,058,406, thecontents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Methods known to those skilled in the art can be used to constructexpression vectors containing antibody coding sequences and appropriatetranscriptional and translational control signals. These methodsinclude, for example, in vitro recombinant DNA techniques, synthetictechniques, and in vivo genetic recombination. Replicable vectorscomprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide described herein(e.g., an anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule, or a heavy or light chainthereof, or a heavy or light chain variable domain) operably linked to apromoter. Such vectors may include the nucleotide sequence encoding theconstant region of the antibody molecule (see, e.g., PCT Publication WO86/05807; PCT Publication WO 89/01036; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,122,464) andthe variable domain of the antibody may be cloned into such a vector forexpression of the entire heavy or light chain.

The host cell may be co-transfected with two expression vectors, thefirst vector encoding a heavy chain derived polypeptide and the secondvector encoding a light chain derived polypeptide. The two vectors maycontain identical selectable markers which enable equal expression ofheavy and light chain polypeptides. Alternatively, a single vector maybe used which encodes both heavy and light chain polypeptides. In suchsituations, the light chain is advantageously placed before the heavychain to avoid an excess of toxic free heavy chain (Proudfoot, Nature322:52 (1986); Kohler, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77:2197 (1980)). Thecoding sequences for the heavy and light chains may comprise cDNA orgenomic DNA.

The term “vector” or “expression vector” is used herein to mean vectorsused as a vehicle for introducing into and expressing a desired gene ina host cell. As known to those skilled in the art, such vectors caneasily be selected from the group consisting of plasmids, phages,viruses and retroviruses. In general, vectors compatible with theinstant invention will comprise a selection marker, appropriaterestriction sites to facilitate cloning of the desired gene and theability to enter and/or replicate in eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells.

For the purposes of this invention, numerous expression vector systemsmay be employed. For example, one class of vector utilizes DNA elementswhich are derived from animal viruses such as bovine papilloma virus,polyoma virus, adenovirus, vaccinia virus, baculovirus, retroviruses(RSV, MMTV or MOMLV) or SV40 virus. Others involve the use ofpolycistronic systems with internal ribosome binding sites.Additionally, cells which have integrated the DNA into their chromosomesmay be selected by introducing one or more markers which allow selectionof transfected host cells. The marker may provide for prototrophy to anauxotrophic host, biocide resistance (e.g., antibiotics) or resistanceto heavy metals such as copper. The selectable marker gene can either bedirectly linked to the DNA sequences to be expressed, or introduced intothe same cell by co-transformation. Additional elements may also beneeded for optimal synthesis of mRNA. These elements may include signalsequences, splice signals, as well as transcriptional promoters,enhancers, and termination signals.

In one embodiment, the cloned variable region genes are inserted into anexpression vector along with the heavy and light chain constant regiongenes (preferably human) synthetic as discussed above. In oneembodiment, this is effected using a proprietary expression vector ofBiogen IDEC, Inc., referred to as NEOSPLA (U.S. Pat. No. 6,159,730).This vector contains the cytomegalovirus promoter/enhancer, the mousebeta globin major promoter, the SV40 origin of replication, the bovinegrowth hormone polyadenylation sequence, neomycin phosphotransferaseexon 1 and exon 2, the dihydrofolate reductase gene and leader sequence.This vector has been found to result in very high level expression ofantibodies upon incorporation of variable and constant region genes,transfection in CHO cells, followed by selection in G418 containingmedium and methotrexate amplification. Of course, any expression vectorwhich is capable of eliciting expression in eukaryotic cells may be usedin the present invention. Examples of suitable vectors include, but arenot limited to plasmids pcDNA3, pHCMV/Zeo, pCR3.1, pEF1/His, pIND/GS,pRc/HCMV2, pSV40/Zeo2, pTRACER-HCMV, pUB6/V5-His, pVAX1, and pZeoSV2(available from Invitrogen, San Diego, Calif.), and plasmid pCI(available from Promega, Madison, Wis.). In general, screening largenumbers of transformed cells for those which express suitably highlevels if immunoglobulin heavy and light chains is routineexperimentation which can be carried out, for example, by roboticsystems. Vector systems are also taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,736,137 and5,658,570, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entiretyherein. This system provides for high expression levels, e.g., >30pg/cell/day. Other exemplary vector systems are disclosed, e.g., in U.S.Pat. No. 6,413,777.

In other embodiments, the LINGO-1 antibody molecules can be expressedusing polycistronic constructs such as those disclosed in United StatesPatent Application Publication No. 2003-0157641 A1, filed Nov. 18, 2002and incorporated herein in its entirety. In these novel expressionsystems, multiple gene products of interest such as heavy and lightchains of antibodies may be produced from a single polycistronicconstruct. These systems advantageously use an internal ribosome entrysite (IRES) to provide relatively high levels of binding polypeptides ineukaryotic host cells. Compatible IRES sequences are disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 6,193,980 which is also incorporated herein. Those skilled inthe art will appreciate that such expression systems can be used toeffectively produce the full range of polypeptides disclosed in theinstant application.

More generally, once the vector or DNA sequence encoding a monomericsubunit of the polypeptide, e.g., the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule,has been prepared, the expression vector may be introduced into anappropriate host cell. Introduction of the plasmid into the host cellcan be accomplished by various techniques well known to those of skillin the art. These include, but are not limited to, transfection(including electrophoresis and electroporation), protoplast fusion,calcium phosphate precipitation, cell fusion with enveloped DNA,microinjection, and infection with intact virus. See, Ridgway, A. A. G.“Mammalian Expression Vectors” Vectors, Rodriguez and Denhardt, Eds.,Butterworths, Boston, Mass., Chapter 24.2, pp. 470-472 (1988).Typically, plasmid introduction into the host is via electroporation.The host cells harboring the expression construct are grown underconditions appropriate to the production of the light chains and heavychains, and assayed for heavy and/or light chain protein synthesis.Exemplary assay techniques include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), radioimmunoassay (MA), or fluorescence-activated cell sorteranalysis (FACS), immunohistochemistry and the like.

The expression vector is transferred to a host cell by conventionaltechniques and the transfected cells are then cultured by conventionaltechniques to produce a polypeptide for use in the methods describedherein. Thus, the invention includes host cells containing apolynucleotide encoding an antibody of the invention, or a heavy orlight chain thereof, operably linked to a heterologous promoter. Inpreferred embodiments for the expression of double-chained antibodies,vectors encoding both the heavy and light chains may be co-expressed inthe host cell for expression of the entire immunoglobulin molecule, asdetailed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,058,406, the contents of which areincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

As used herein, “host cells” refers to cells which harbor vectorsconstructed using recombinant DNA techniques and encoding at least oneheterologous gene. In descriptions of processes for isolation ofantibodies from recombinant hosts, the terms “cell” and “cell culture”are used interchangeably to denote the source of antibody unless it isclearly specified otherwise. In other words, recovery of polypeptidefrom the “cells” may mean either from spun down whole cells, or from thecell culture containing both the medium and the suspended cells.

A variety of host-expression vector systems may be utilized to expresspolypeptides, e.g., antibody molecules, for use in the methods describedherein. These include, but are not limited to, microorganisms such asbacteria (e.g., E. coli, B. subtilis) transformed with recombinantbacteriophage DNA, plasmid DNA or cosmid DNA expression vectorscontaining polypeptide coding sequences; yeast (e.g., Saccharomyces,Pichia) transformed with recombinant yeast expression vectors containingantibody coding sequences; insect cell systems infected with recombinantvirus expression vectors (e.g., baculovirus) containing polypeptidecoding sequences; plant cell systems infected with recombinant virusexpression vectors (e.g., cauliflower mosaic virus, CaMV; tobacco mosaicvirus, TMV) or transformed with recombinant plasmid expression vectors(e.g., Ti plasmid) containing antibody coding sequences; or mammaliancell systems (e.g., COS, CHO, BLK, 293, 3T3 cells) harboring recombinantexpression constructs containing promoters derived from the genome ofmammalian cells (e.g., metallothionein promoter) or from mammalianviruses (e.g., the adenovirus late promoter; the vaccinia virus 7.5Kpromoter). Typically, bacterial cells such as Escherichia coli, and moretypically, eukaryotic cells, especially for the expression of wholerecombinant antibody molecule, are used for the expression of arecombinant polypeptide or antibody molecule. For example, mammaliancells such as Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO), in conjunction with avector such as the major intermediate early gene promoter element fromhuman cytomegalovirus is an effective expression system for polypeptidesantibodies (Foecking et al., Gene 45:101 (1986); Cockett et al.,Bio/Technology 8:2 (1990)).

The host cell line used for protein expression is often of mammalianorigin; those skilled in the art are credited with ability topreferentially determine particular host cell lines which are bestsuited for the desired gene product to be expressed therein. Exemplaryhost cell lines include, but are not limited to, CHO (Chinese HamsterOvary), DG44 and DUXB11 (Chinese Hamster Ovary lines, DHFR minus), HELA(human cervical carcinoma), CVI (monkey kidney line), COS (a derivativeof CVI with SV40 T antigen), VERY, BHK (baby hamster kidney), MDCK, 293,W138, R1610 (Chinese hamster fibroblast) BALBC/3T3 (mouse fibroblast),HAK (hamster kidney line), SP2/O (mouse myeloma), P3.times.63-Ag3.653(mouse myeloma), BFA-1c1BPT (bovine endothelial cells), RAJI (humanlymphocyte) and 293 (human kidney). Host cell lines are typicallyavailable from commercial services, the American Tissue CultureCollection or from published literature.

In addition, a host cell strain may be chosen which modulates theexpression of the inserted sequences, or modifies and processes the geneproduct in the specific fashion desired. Such modifications (e.g.,glycosylation) and processing (e.g., cleavage) of protein products maybe important for the function of the protein. Different host cells havecharacteristic and specific mechanisms for the post-translationalprocessing and modification of proteins and gene products. Appropriatecell lines or host systems can be chosen to ensure the correctmodification and processing of the foreign protein expressed. To thisend, eukaryotic host cells which possess the cellular machinery forproper processing of the primary transcript, glycosylation, andphosphorylation of the gene product may be used.

For long-term, high-yield production of recombinant proteins, stableexpression is preferred. For example, cell lines which stably expressthe antibody molecule may be engineered. Rather than using expressionvectors which contain viral origins of replication, host cells can betransformed with DNA controlled by appropriate expression controlelements (e.g., promoter, enhancer, sequences, transcriptionterminators, polyadenylation sites, etc.), and a selectable marker.Following the introduction of the foreign DNA, engineered cells may beallowed to grow for 1-2 days in an enriched media, and then are switchedto a selective media. The selectable marker in the recombinant plasmidconfers resistance to the selection and allows cells to stably integratethe plasmid into their chromosomes and grow to form foci which in turncan be cloned and expanded into cell lines. This method mayadvantageously be used to engineer cell lines which stably express theantibody molecule.

CHO cells are particularly preferred. In certain embodiment, theantibody molecules are expressed in CHO cells stably transfected withexpression vectors containing the IgG₁-agly heavy light chain structuralgenes specific to the human LINGO-1 protein. A native human kappa lightchain signal peptide and a human heavy chain signal peptide, which arepost-translationally removed by endoplasmic reticulum-associated signalpeptidase, can be used to direct secretion of the anti-LINGO-1 antibodymolecule. The antibody molecule can be purified from the media andformulated as a liquid. The antibody molecule can consists of 2 heavyand 2 light chains connected by inter-chain disulfide bonds. In oneembodiment, the mass of the intact antibody molecule is approximately144.4 kDa.

A number of selection systems may be used, including but not limited tothe herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (Wigler et al., Cell 11:223(1977)), hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (Szybalska &Szybalski, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 48:202 (1992)), and adeninephosphoribosyltransferase (Lowy et al., Cell 22:817 1980) genes can beemployed in tk-, hgprt- or aprt-cells, respectively. Also,antimetabolite resistance can be used as the basis of selection for thefollowing genes: dhfr, which confers resistance to methotrexate (Wigleret al., Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77:357 (1980); O'Hare et al., Proc. Natl.Acad. Sci. USA 78:1527 (1981)); gpt, which confers resistance tomycophenolic acid (Mulligan & Berg, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 78:2072(1981)); neo, which confers resistance to the aminoglycoside G-418Clinical Pharmacy 12:488-505; Wu and Wu, Biotherapy 3:87-95 (1991);Tolstoshev, Ann. Rev. Pharmacol. Toxicol. 32:573-596 (1993); Mulligan,Science 260:926-932 (1993); and Morgan and Anderson, Ann. Rev. Biochem.62:191-217 (1993); TIB TECH 11(5):155-215 (May, 1993); and hygro, whichconfers resistance to hygromycin (Santerre et al., Gene 30:147 (1984).Methods commonly known in the art of recombinant DNA technology whichcan be used are described in Ausubel et al. (eds.), Current Protocols inMolecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons, NY (1993); Kriegler, Gene Transferand Expression, A Laboratory Manual, Stockton Press, NY (1990); and inChapters 12 and 13, Dracopoli et al. (eds), Current Prolocols in HumanGenetics, John Wiley & Sons, NY (1994); Colberre-Garapin et al., J. Mol.Biol. 150:1 (1981), which are incorporated by reference herein in theirentireties.

Additional methods and host systems expression, production and/orpurification of the polypeptides, e.g., antibodies, are disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 8,058,406, the contents of which are incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

Nucleic Acid Antagonists

In certain embodiments, the LINGO-1 antagonist inhibits the expressionof nucleic acid encoding a LINGO-1. Examples of such LINGO-1 antagonistsinclude nucleic acid molecules, for example, antisense molecules,ribozymes, RNAi double stranded molecules, triple helix molecules,microRNA molecules that hybridize to a nucleic acid encoding a LINGO-1,or a transcription regulatory region, and block or reduce mRNAexpression of LINGO-1.

An “antisense” nucleic acid can include a nucleotide sequence which iscomplementary to a “sense” nucleic acid encoding a protein, e.g.,complementary to the coding strand of a double-stranded cDNA molecule orcomplementary to an mRNA sequence. The antisense nucleic acid can becomplementary to an entire LINGO-1 coding strand, or to only a portionthereof. In another embodiment, the antisense nucleic acid molecule isantisense to a “noncoding region” of the coding strand of a nucleotidesequence encoding LINGO-1 (e.g., the 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions).Anti-sense agents can include, for example, from about 8 to about 80nucleobases (i.e. from about 8 to about 80 nucleotides), e.g., about 8to about 50 nucleobases, or about 12 to about 30 nucleobases. Anti-sensecompounds include ribozymes, external guide sequence (EGS)oligonucleotides (oligozymes), and other short catalytic RNAs orcatalytic oligonucleotides which hybridize to the target nucleic acidand modulate its expression. Anti-sense compounds can include a stretchof at least eight consecutive nucleobases that are complementary to asequence in the target gene. An oligonucleotide need not be 100%complementary to its target nucleic acid sequence to be specificallyhybridizable. An oligonucleotide is specifically hybridizable whenbinding of the oligonucleotide to the target interferes with the normalfunction of the target molecule to cause a loss of utility, and there isa sufficient degree of complementarity to avoid non-specific binding ofthe oligonucleotide to non-target sequences under conditions in whichspecific binding is desired, i.e., under physiological conditions in thecase of in vivo assays or therapeutic treatment or, in the case of invitro assays, under conditions in which the assays are conducted.Exemplary antisense compounds include DNA or RNA sequences thatspecifically hybridize to the target nucleic acid, e.g., the mRNAencoding LINGO-1. The complementary region can extend for between about8 to about 80 nucleobases. The compounds can include one or moremodified nucleobases, which are known in the art. Descriptions ofnucleic acid agents are available. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,987,071;5,116,742; and 5,093,246; Woolf et al. (1992) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA;Antisense RNA and DNA, D. A. Melton, Ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory,Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. (1988); 89:7305-9; Haselhoff and Gerlach (1988)Nature 334:585-59; Helene, C. (1991) Anticancer Drug Des. 6:569-84;Helene (1992) Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 660:27-36; and Maher (1992) Bioassays14:807-15.

siRNAs are small double stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) that optionally includeoverhangs. For example, the duplex region of an siRNA is about 18 to 25nucleotides in length, e.g., about 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, or 24 nucleotidesin length. Typically, the siRNA sequences are exactly complementary tothe target mRNA. dsRNAs and siRNAs in particular can be used to silencegene expression in mammalian cells (e.g., human cells). siRNAs alsoinclude short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) with 29-base-pair stems and2-nucleotide 3′ overhangs. See, e.g., Clemens et al. (2000) Proc. Natl.Acad. Sci. USA 97:6499-6503; Billy et al. (2001) Proc. Natl. Sci. USA98:14428-14433; Elbashir et al. (2001) Nature. 411:494-8; Yang et al.(2002) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 99:9942-9947; Siolas et al. (2005),Nat. Biotechnol. 23(2):227-31; 20040086884; U.S. 20030166282;20030143204; 20040038278; and 20030224432.

In still another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule is a ribozyme. Aribozyme having specificity for a LINGO-1-encoding nucleic acid caninclude one or more sequences complementary to the nucleotide sequenceof a LINGO-1 mRNA, and a sequence having known catalytic sequenceresponsible for mRNA cleavage (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,093,246 or Haselhoffand Gerlach (1988) Nature 334:585-591; Cech et al. U.S. Pat. No.4,987,071; and Cech et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,116,742; Bartel, D. andSzostak, J. W. (1993) Science 261:1411-1418).

In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule is a microRNA molecule. AmicroRNA having specificity for a LINGO-1-encoding nucleic acid caninclude one or more sequences complementary to the nucleotide sequenceof a LINGO-1 mRNA, which can result in gene silencing via translationalrepression or target degradation (see Bartel D P (2009) Cell 136 (2):215-33; Kusenda B, et al. (2006) Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky OlomoucCzech Repub 150 (2): 205-15).

LINGO-1 gene expression can be inhibited by targeting nucleotidesequences complementary to the regulatory region of the LINGO-1 (e.g.,the LINGO-1 promoter and/or enhancers) to form triple helical structuresthat prevent transcription of the LINGO-1 gene in target cells. Seegenerally, Helene, C. (1991) Anticancer Drug Des. 6:569-84; Helene, C.(1992) Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 660:27-36; and Maher, L. J. (1992) Bioassays14:807-15. The potential sequences that can be targeted for triple helixformation can be increased by creating a so-called “switchback” nucleicacid molecule.

A LINGO-1 nucleic acid molecule can be modified at the base moiety,sugar moiety or phosphate backbone to improve, e.g., the stability,hybridization, or solubility of the molecule. For non-limiting examplesof synthetic oligonucleotides with modifications see Toulmé (2001)Nature Biotech. 19:17 and Faria et al. (2001) Nature Biotech. 19:40-44;Hyrup B. et al. (1996) Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry 4: 5-23).

Immunomodulatory Agents

Several immunomodulatory agents are presently used to modify the courseof multiple sclerosis in patients. Such agents include, but are notlimited to, an IFN-β 1 molecule; a polymer of glutamic acid, lysine,alanine and tyrosine, e.g., glatiramer; an antibody or fragment thereofagainst alpha-4 integrin, e.g., natalizumab; an anthracenedionemolecule, e.g., mitoxantrone; a fingolimod, e.g., FTY720; a dimethylfumarate, e.g., an oral dimethyl fumarate; an antibody to the alphasubunit of the IL-2 receptor of T cells (CD25), e.g., daclizumab; anantibody against CD52, e.g., alemtuzumab; an inhibitor of adihydroorotate dehydrogenase, e.g., teriflunomide; an antibody to CD20,e.g., ocrelizumab; and a corticosteroid. The reparative agents disclosedherein can be used in combination with any of these agents.

Exemplary immunomodulatory agents are described in more detail asfollows.

IFNβ Agents (Beta Interferons)

One known therapy for MS includes treatment with interferon beta.Interferons (IFNs) are natural proteins produced by the cells of theimmune systems of most animals in response to challenges by foreignagents such as viruses, bacteria, parasites and tumor cells. Interferonsbelong to the large class of glycoproteins known as cytokines.Interferon beta has 165 amino acids. Interferons alpha and beta areproduced by many cell types, including T-cells and B-cells, macrophages,fibroblasts, endothelial cells, osteoblasts and others, and stimulateboth macrophages and NK cells. Interferon gamma is involved in theregulation of immune and inflammatory responses. It is produced byactivated T-cells and Th1 cells.

Several different types of interferon are now approved for use inhumans. Interferon alpha (including forms interferon alpha-2a,interferon alpha-2b, and interferon alfacon-1) was approved by theUnited States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment forHepatitis C. There are two currently FDA-approved types of interferonbeta. Interferon beta 1a (Avonex®) is identical to interferon beta foundnaturally in humans, and interferon beta 1b (Betaseron®) differs incertain ways from interferon beta 1a found naturally in humans,including that it contains a serine residue in place of a cysteineresidue at position 17. Other uses of interferon beta have includedtreatment of AIDS, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, Acute Hepatitis C (non-A,non-B), Kaposi's sarcoma, malignant melanoma, hairy cell leukemia, andmetastatic renal cell carcinoma.

IFNβ agents can be administered to the subject by any method known inthe art, including systemically (e.g., orally, parenterally,subcutaneously, intravenously, rectally, intramuscularly,intravitreally, intraperitoneally, intranasally, transdermally, or byinhalation or intracavitary installation). Typically, the IFNβ agentsare administered subcutaneously, or intramuscularly.

IFNβ agents can be used to treat those subjects determined to be“responders” using the methods described herein. In one embodiment, theIFNβ agents are used as a monotherapy (i.e., as a single “diseasemodifying therapy”) although the treatment regimen can further comprisethe use of “symptom management therapies” such as antidepressants,analgesics, anti-tremor agents, etc. In one embodiment, the IFNβ agentis an IFNβ-1A agent (e.g., Avonex®, Rebif®). In another embodiment, theINFβ agent is an INFβ-1B agent (e.g., Betaseron®, Betaferon®, Extavia®).

Avonex®, an Interferon β-1a, is indicated for the treatment of patientswith relapsing forms of MS that are determined to be responders usingthe methods described herein to slow the accumulation of physicaldisability and decrease the frequency of clinical exacerbations. Avonex®(Interferon beta-1a) is a 166 amino acid glycoprotein with a predictedmolecular weight of approximately 22,500 daltons. It is produced byrecombinant DNA technology using genetically engineered Chinese HamsterOvary cells into which the human interferon beta gene has beenintroduced. The amino acid sequence of Avonex® is identical to that ofnatural human interferon beta. The recommended dosage of Avonex®(Interferon beta-1a) is 30 mcg injected intramuscularly once a week.Avonex® is commercially available as a 30 mcg lyophilized powder vial oras a 30 mcg prefilled syringe.

Interferon beta 1a (Avonex®) is identical to interferon beta foundnaturally in humans (AVONEX®, i.e., Interferon beta Ia (SwissProtAccession No. P01574 and gi:50593016). The sequence of interferon betais:

(SEQ ID NO: 277) MTNKCLLQIALLLCFSTTALSMSYNLLGFLQRSSNFQCQKLLWQLNGRLEYCLKDRMNFDIPEEIKQLQQFQKEDAALTIYEMLQNIFAIFRQDSSSTGWNETIVENLLANVYHQINHLKTVLEEKLEKEDFTRGKLMSSLHLKRYYGRILHYLKAKEYSHCAWTIVRVEILRNFYFINRLTGYLRN.

Methods for making Avonex® are known in the art.

Treatment of responders identified using the methods described hereinfurther contemplates that compositions (e.g., IFN beta 1 a molecules)having biological activity that is substantially similar to that ofAVONEX® will permit successful treatment similar to treatment withAVONEX® when administered in a similar manner. Such other compositionsinclude, e.g., other interferons and fragments, analogues, homologues,derivatives, and natural variants thereof with substantially similarbiological activity. In one embodiment, the INFβ agent is modified toincrease one or more pharmacokinetic properties. For example, the INFβagent can be a modified form of interferon 1a to include a pegylatedmoiety. PEGylated forms of interferon beta 1a are described in, e.g.,Baker, D. P. et al. (2006) Bioconjug Chem 17(1):179-88; Arduini, R M etal. (2004) Protein Expr Purif 34(2):229-42; Pepinsky, R B et al. (2001)J Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 297(3):1059-66; Baker, D. P. et al. (2010) JInterferon Cytokine Res 30(10):777-85 (all of which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety, and describe a human interferonbeta 1a modified at its N-terminal alpha amino acid to include a PEGmoiety, e.g., a 20 kDa mPEG-O-2-methylpropionaldehyde moiety). Pegylatedforms of IFN beta 1a can be administered by, e.g., injectable routes ofadministration (e.g., subcutaneously).

Rebif® is also an Interferon β-1a agent, while Betaseron®, Betaferon®,and Extavia® are Interferon β-1b agents. Both Rebif® and Betaseron® areformulated for administration by subcutaneous injection.

Dosages of IFNβ agents to administer can be determined by one of skillin the art, and include clinically acceptable amounts to administerbased on the specific interferon-beta agent used. For example, AVONEX®is typically administered at 30 microgram once a week via intramuscularinjection. Other forms of interferon beta 1a, specifically REBIF®, isadministered, for example, at 22 microgram three times a week or 44micrograms once a week, via subcutaneous injection. Interferon beta-1Acan be administered, e.g., intramuscularly, in an amount of between 10and 50 μg. For example, AVONEX® can be administered every five to tendays, e.g., once a week, while Rebif® can be administered three times aweek.

Anti-VLA4 Antibody (e.g., Natalizumab (Tysabri®))

Anti-VLA4 antibodies (e.g., Natalizumab) inhibit the migration ofleukocytes from the blood to the central nervous system. Theseantibodies bind to VLA-4 (also called α4β1) on the surface of activatedT-cells and other mononuclear leukocytes. They can disrupt adhesionbetween the T-cell and endothelial cells, and thus prevent migration ofmononuclear leukocytes across the endothelium and into the parenchyma.As a result, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines can also bereduced. Natalizumab can decrease the number of brain lesions andclinical relapses and accumulation of disability in patients withrelapse remitting multiple sclerosis and relapsing secondary-progressivemultiple sclerosis.

Natalizumab and related VLA-4 binding antibodies are described, e.g., inU.S. Pat. No. 5,840,299. Monoclonal antibodies 21.6 and HP1/2 areexemplary murine monoclonal antibodies that bind VLA-4. Natalizumab is ahumanized version of murine monoclonal antibody 21.6 (see, e.g., U.S.Pat. No. 5,840,299). A humanized version of HP 1/2 has also beendescribed (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,602,503). Several additional VLA-4binding monoclonal antibodies, such as HP2/1, HP2/4, L25 and P4C2, aredescribed, e.g., in U.S. Pat. No. 6,602,503; Sanchez-Madrid et al,(1986) Eur. J Immunol 16:1343-1349; Hemler et al, (1987) J Biol. Chem.2:11478-11485; Issekutz et al. (1991) J Immunol 147: 109 (TA-2 mab);Pulido et al. (1991) J Biol. Chem. 266: 10241-10245; and U.S. Pat. No.5,888,507). The contents of the aforesaid publications (including theantibody compositions, dosages, methods of administration andproduction) are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Dimethyl Fumarate (Tecfidera®)

Dimethyl fumarate, DMF, (Tecfidera®) is a fumaric acid ester. DMF isthought to decrease leukocyte passage through the blood brain barrierand exert neuroprotective effects by the activation of antioxidativepathways, specifically through activation of the Nrf-2 pathway (Lee etal. (2008) Int MS Journal 15: 12-18). Research also suggests that BG-12®has the potential to reduce the activity and impact of inflammatorycells on the CNS and induce direct cytoprotective responses in CNScells. These effects may enhance the CNS cells' ability to mitigate thetoxic inflammatory and oxidative stress that plays a role in MSpathophysiology.

Glatiramer Acetate (Copaxone®)

Copaxone® (glatiramer acetate) consists of the acetate salts ofsynthetic polypeptides, specifically the four naturally occurring aminoacids: L-glutamic acid, L-alanine, L-tyrosine, and L-lysine (Bornsteinet al. (1987) N Engl J Med. 317: 408-414). Copaxone® exhibits structuralsimilarity to myelin basic protein and is thought to function as animmune modulator by shifting the T helper cell type 1 response towards aT helper cell type 2 response (Duda et al. (2000) J Clin Invest 105:967-976; Nicholas et al. (2011) Drug Design, Development, and Therapy 5:255-274).

Mitoxantrone (Novantrone®, an Anthracenedione Molecule)

Mitoxantrone is an anthracenedione molecule(1,4-dihydroxy-5,8-bis[2-(2-hydroxyethylamino)ethylamino]-anthracene-9,10-dione) and a type II topoisomerase inhibitorthat disrupts DNA synthesis and repair of cells. It is used to treatcancers and MS. Mitoxantrone is used to treat several forms of advancingMS, including secondary progressive MS, progressive relapsing MS, andadvanced relapsing-remitting MS.

For example, mitoxantrone is effective in slowing the progression ofsecondary progressive MS and extending the time between relapses inrelapsing-remitting MS and progressive relapsing MS (Fox E (2006) ClinTher 28 (4): 461-74).

Fingolimod (Gilenya®; Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Receptor Modulator)

Fingolimod is an immunomodulating drug, approved for treating MS. It hasreduced the rate of relapses in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosisby over half, but may have serious adverse effects. Fingolimod is asphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator, which sequesters lymphocytesin lymph nodes, preventing them from moving to the central nervoussystem for autoimmune responses in MS.

Antibodies to the Alpha Subunit of the IL-2 Receptor of T Cells (CD25)(e.g., Daclizumab HYP; ZINBRYTA®)

An antibody to the alpha subunit of the IL-2 receptor of T cells (CD25),e.g., daclizumab HYP, can be used in the methods and compositionsdisclosed herein. Daclizumab HYP is a therapeutic humanized monoclonalantibody to the alpha subunit of the IL-2 receptor of T cells (CD25).Daclizumab HYP showed efficacy in reducing lesions and annualizedrelapse rate in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis(Kappos et al. (2015). N. Engl. J. Med. 373 (15): 1418-28).

Antibody Against CD52, e.g., Alemtuzumab

Antibodies against CD52, e.g., alemtuzumab (currently under furtherdevelopment as Lemtrada®), bind to CD52, which is a protein present onthe surface of mature lymphocytes, but not on stem cells. Phase IIIstudies reported positive results comparing alemtuzumab with Rebif®(high-dose subcutaneous interferon beta-1a) in the treatment of patientswith relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). Alemtuzumab has been approved inEurope.

Antibody to CD20, e.g., Ocrelizumab

Antibodies against CD20, e.g., ocrelizumab, rituximab, ofatumumab,target mature B lymphocytes. Phase 2 clinical studies of rituximab andocrelizumab in relapse remitting MS have demonstrated a statisticallysignificant reduction in disease activity measured by brain lesions(e.g., measured by MRI scans) and relapse rate compared to placebo.Phase 3 studies of ocrelizumab showed both reduction in relapse rate anddisability compared to interferon beta-1a (e.g., Rebif®).

Inhibitors of Dihydroorotate Dehydrogenase, e.g., Teriflunomide

Inhibitors of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, e.g., teriflunomide, inhibitpyrimidine synthesis. Teriflunomide (also known as A77 1726 or) is anactive metabolite of leflunomide. Teriflunomide inhibits rapidlydividing cells, including activated T cells, which are thought to drivethe disease process in MS. Teriflunomide was investigated in clinicaltrials as a medication for treating MS. (Vollmer EMS News (May 28,2009)).

Steroids

Steroids, e.g., corticosteroid, and ACTH agents can be used to treatacute relapses in relapsing-remitting MS or secondary progressive MS.Such agents include, but are not limited to, Depo-Medrol®, Solu-Medrol®,Deltasone®, Delta-Cortef®, Medrol®, Decadron®, and Acthar®.

One or more of the aforesaid immunomodulatory agents can be used incombination with the reparative agents disclosed herein, as described inmore detail below and exemplified by the combination of IFN-b andanti-LINGO-1 Antibody Therapy.

Therapeutic Methods

Reparative agents, such as LINGO-1 antagonists, can relieveNgR1-mediated inhibition of axonal regeneration and dendriticarborization that normally takes place in CNS neurons. This isbeneficial in situations where axonal repair or neurite sprouting isneeded in the brain or spinal cord following CNS injury. Spinal cordinjury, including partial or complete crush or severance, exemplifies asituation in which axonal repair is needed, but is normally inhibitedthrough operation of the NgR1 pathway.

In addition, LINGO-1 is expressed in oligodendrocytes, and contributesto oligodendrocyte biology. Soluble derivatives of LINGO-1,polynucleotides (e.g. RNAi), as well as certain antibodies whichspecifically bind to LINGO-1 can act as antagonists to LINGO-1 functionin oligodendrocytes, enhancing differentiation and survival ofoligodendrocytes and promoting myelination of neurons in vitro and invivo. This can be beneficial for treating or preventing disorders orconditions involving demyelination and dysmyelination.

Examples of diseases or disorders in which axonal extension and/orneurite sprouting in the brain, and/or oligodendrocyte proliferation,differentiation and survival, and/or myelination or remyelination, canbe beneficial include, but are not limited to, CNS demyelinatingdiseases, CNS injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), optic neuritis(e.g., acute optic neuritis), idiopathic inflammatory demyelinatingdisease, transverse myelitis, neuromyelitis optica (NMO), vitamin B12deficiency, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML),encephalomyelitis (EPL), acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM),central pontine myelolysis (CPM), Wallerian Degeneration,adrenoleukodystrophy, Alexander's disease, Pelizaeus Merzbacher disease(PMZ), leukodystrophies, traumatic glaucoma, periventricularleukomalatia (PVL), essential tremor, white matter stroke, stroke, orradiation or toxic induced white matter injury and otherneurodegenerative diseases or disorders such as multiple sclerosis,adrenoleukodystrophy, periventricular leukomalatia (PVL), Globoid cellLeucodystrophy (Krabbe's disease) and Wallerian Degenerationamylotrophiclateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease,Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, postradiation injury, neurologic complications of chemotherapy, neuropathy(e.g., diabetic neuropathy), acute ischemic optic neuropathy, isolatedvitamin E deficiency syndrome, AR, Bassen-Kornzweig syndrome,Marchiafava-Bignami syndrome, metachromatic leukodystrophy, trigeminalneuralgia, Bell's palsy, spinal cord injury, traumatic glaucoma,essential tremor, osmotic hyponatremia, and neurological diseasesrelated to neuronal cell death. A CNS demyelinating disease can bechosen from one or more of the aforesaid disorders. In one embodiment,the CNS demyelinating disease is multiple sclerosis. In otherembodiments, the CNS demyelinating disease is optic neuritis, e.g.,acute optic neuritis.

Accordingly, methods for treating spinal cord injury, diseases ordisorders associated with inhibition of neuronal growth in the CNS,diseases or disorders associated with inhibition of oligodendrocytegrowth or differentiation, and diseases involving demyelination ordysmyelination of CNS neurons in a subject suffering from such injury ordisease or predisposed to contract such disease, are disclosed. Themethod includes administering to the subject an effective amount of areparative agent, e.g., a LINGO-1 antagonist, alone or in combinationwith an immunomodulatory agent.

“Treat,” “treatment,” and other forms of this word refer to theadministration of a combination therapy, alone or in combination withone or more symptom management agents, to a subject, e.g., an MS patientor optic neuritis (e.g., acute optic neuritis) patient, to impededisease progression, to induce remission, to extend the expectedsurvival time of the subject and or reduce the need for medicalinterventions (e.g., hospitalizations). In those subjects, treatment caninclude, but is not limited to, inhibiting or reducing one or moresymptoms such as numbness, tingling, muscle weakness and/or othersymptoms described herein for optic neuritis; reducing relapse rate orseverity, reducing size or number of sclerotic lesions; inhibiting orretarding the development of new lesions; prolonging survival, orprolonging progression-free survival, and/or enhanced quality of life.

As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the terms “prevent,”“preventing” and “prevention” contemplate an action that occurs before asubject begins to suffer from a relapse and/or which inhibits or reducesthe severity of the disease.

As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the terms “manage,”“managing” and “management” encompass preventing the progression ofdisease symptoms in a subject who has already suffered from the disease,and/or lengthening the time that the subject who has suffered from thedisease remains in remission. The terms encompass modulating thethreshold, development and/or duration of the disease, or changing theway that a patient responds to the disease.

As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, a “therapeuticallyeffective amount” of a compound is an amount sufficient to provide atherapeutic benefit in the treatment or management of the disease, or todelay or minimize one or more symptoms associated with the disease. Atherapeutically effective amount of a compound means an amount oftherapeutic agent, alone or in combination with other therapeuticagents, which provides a therapeutic benefit in the treatment ormanagement of the disease. The term “therapeutically effective amount”can encompass an amount that improves overall therapy, reduces or avoidssymptoms or causes of the disease, or enhances the therapeutic efficacyof another therapeutic agent.

As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, a “prophylacticallyeffective amount” of a compound is an amount sufficient to preventrelapse of the disease, or one or more symptoms associated with thedisease, or prevent its recurrence. A prophylactically effective amountof a compound means an amount of the compound, alone or in combinationwith other therapeutic agents, which provides a prophylactic benefit inthe prevention of disease relapse. The term “prophylactically effectiveamount” can encompass an amount that improves overall prophylaxis orenhances the prophylactic efficacy of another prophylactic agent.

As used herein, the term “patient” or “subject” typically refers to ahuman (i.e., a male or female of any age group, e.g., a pediatricpatient (e.g., infant, child, adolescent) or adult patient (e.g., youngadult, middle-aged adult or senior adult) or other mammal, such as aprimate (e.g., cynomolgus monkey, rhesus monkey); commercially relevantmammals such as cattle, pigs, horses, sheep, goats, cats, and/or dogs,that will be or has been the object of treatment, observation, and/orexperiment. When the term is used in conjunction with administration ofa compound or drug, then the patient has been the object of treatment,observation, and/or administration of the compound or drug.

In one embodiment, treatment with a LINGO-1 antagonist, alone or incombination with an immunomodulatory agent, begins as soon as a subjectis diagnosed with a disorder affecting myelination or is diagnosed asbeing at risk for a disorder affecting myelination. For example, in oneembodiment, a subject having AON in one eye is treated to enhancemyelination/prevent demyelination in the visual pathway that serves thefellow eye. In another embodiment, a subject with AON is treated with aLINGO-1 antagonist, alone or in combination with an immunomodulatoryagent to slow or prevent progression to MS.

In one embodiment, a subject to be treated according to the methodsherein has minor symptoms at the time of initiation of treatment. Inanother embodiment, a subject to be treated according to the methodsherein has marked impairment at the time of initiation of treatment. Forexample, in one embodiment, a subject with AON may have marked visualimpairment in one eye at the time of treatment.

Subject to be treated according the methods described herein can be ofany age when they are affected by demyelination or dismyelination or areat risk thereof. In one embodiment, a subject selected for treatmentwith a LINGO-1 antagonist is at least about 25 years of age. In anotherembodiment, a subject selected for treatment with a LINGO-1 antagonistis at least about 30 years of age. In still another embodiment, asubject selected for treatment with a LINGO-1 antagonist is at leastabout 30 years of age. In yet another embodiment, a subject selected fortreatment with a LINGO-1 antagonist is at least about 35 years of age.In yet another embodiment, a subject selected for treatment with aLINGO-1 antagonist is at least about 40 years of age.

Acute Optic Neuritis

In one embodiment, the reparative agent, alone or in combination,reduces one or more symptoms of an inflammatory condition of the opticnerve (e.g., optic neuritis, e.g., acute optic neuritis (AON)). AON isan inflammatory disease of the optic nerve that often occurs in multiplesclerosis. AON is caused by inflammatory injury to the optic nerve andpresents with visual loss due to edema, inflammation, and damage to themyelin sheath covering the optic nerve and axons. There is significantloss of the retinal nerve fiber layer and retinalganglion cell layer asa result of AON. Current treatment of AON is limited to intravenoustreatment with high dose corticosteroids which fasten the resolution ofedema, but do not promote central nervous system (CNS) remyelination orprovide neuroaxonal protection from CNS inflammatory demyelination. Thusthe reparative agents disclosed herein can be used, alone or incombination, to treat such inflammation of the optic nerve.

Treatment of MS

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system disease that ischaracterized by inflammation and loss of axons and myelin sheaths.

Subjects having MS can be identified by clinical criteria establishing adiagnosis of clinically definite MS as defined by Poser et al. (1983)Ann. Neurol. 13:227. Briefly, an individual with clinically definite MShas had two attacks and clinical evidence of either two lesions orclinical evidence of one lesion and paraclinical evidence of another,separate lesion. Definite MS may also be diagnosed by evidence of twoattacks and oligoclonal bands of IgG in cerebrospinal fluid or bycombination of an attack, clinical evidence of two lesions andoligoclonal band of IgG in cerebrospinal fluid. The McDonald criteriacan also be used to diagnose MS. (McDonald et al. (2001) Recommendeddiagnostic criteria for Multiple sclerosis: guidelines from theInternational Panel on the Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis, Ann Neurol50:121-127); Polman, C H et al. (2005 December). Diagnostic criteria formultiple sclerosis: 2005 revisions to the “McDonald Criteria” Annals ofNeurology 58 (6): 840-6; Polman, C. H. et al. (2011) Ann. Neurol.69(2):292-302). The McDonald criteria include the use of MRI evidence ofCNS impairment over time to be used in diagnosis of MS, in the absenceof multiple clinical attacks. Further updates to the McDonald criteria(Polman et al, Annals of Neurology 2011) allow the diagnosis of MS atthe time of first CNS demyelinating episode based on the finding ofpre-existing characteristic MRI lesions. Effective treatment of multiplesclerosis may be evaluated in several different ways. The followingparameters can be used to gauge effectiveness of treatment. Twoexemplary criteria include: EDSS (extended disability status scale asdetermined by an examining neurologists), and appearance of new lesionswith or without clinical manifestations on MRI (magnetic resonanceimaging) scans.

Exacerbations are defined as the appearance of one or more newneurological symptoms that are attributable to MS and accompanied by anappropriate new neurologic abnormality on examination. In addition, theexacerbation must last at least 24 hours and be preceded by stability orimprovement for at least 30 days, and should not have alternativeexplanations (such as infection, drug toxicity, primary psychiatricdisorders). Briefly, patients are given a standard neurologicalexamination by clinicians. Exacerbations are mild, moderate, or severeaccording to changes in a Neurological Rating Scale like, for example,the Scripps Neurological Rating Scale (Sipe et al. (1984) Neurology34:1368); the EDSS; or by patient reported outcomes (e.g., MSWS-12). Anannual exacerbation rate and proportion of exacerbation-free patientsare determined to monitor effectiveness of anti-inflammatory treatments.

Anti-inflammatory therapy can be deemed to be effective using a clinicalmeasure if there is a statistically significant difference in the rateor proportion of exacerbation-free or relapse-free patients between thetreated group and the placebo group for either of these measurements. Inaddition, time to first exacerbation and exacerbation duration andseverity may also be measured. A measure of effectiveness as therapy inthis regard is a statistically significant difference in the time tofirst exacerbation or duration and severity in the treated groupcompared to control group. An exacerbation-free or relapse-free periodof greater than one year, 18 months, 20, or 24 months is particularlynoteworthy. Clinical measurements include the relapse rate in one andtwo-year intervals, and a change in EDSS, including time to worseningfrom baseline of 1.0 unit on the EDSS that persists for three or sixmonths. On a Kaplan-Meier curve, a delay in sustained progression ofdisability shows efficacy. Other criteria include a change in area andvolume of T2 images on MRI, and the number and volume of lesionsdetermined by gadolinium enhanced images.

MRI can be used to measure active inflammatory lesions usinggadolinium-DTPA-enhanced imaging (McDonald et al., Ann. Neurol. 36:14,1994) or the location and extent of lesions using T2-weightedtechniques. Briefly, baseline MRIs are obtained. The same imaging planeand patient position are used for each subsequent study. Positioning andimaging sequences can be chosen to maximize lesion detection andfacilitate lesion tracing. The same positioning and imaging sequencescan be used on subsequent studies. The presence, location and extent ofMS lesions can be determined by radiologists. Areas of lesions can beoutlined and summed slice by slice for total lesion area. Three analysesmay be done: evidence of new lesions, rate of appearance of activelesions, and percentage change in lesion area (Paty et al., (1993)Neurology 43:665). Improvement due to therapy can be established by astatistically significant improvement in an individual patient comparedto baseline or in a treated group versus a placebo group.

The effects of remyelinating and/or neuroaxonal protective therapies canbe evaluated using one or more of Magnetization Transfer Ratio (MTR),Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), and brain volume changes, and MagneticResonance Spectroscopy (MRS). Each of the aforesaid techniques isdescribed in more detail herein.

Magnetization Transfer Ratio (MTR) is based on application ofoff-resonance radio-frequency pulses and observing their effects on MRimages, as well as measuring the signal intensity with and withoutapplication of the pulses. MTR has been shown to detect microscopicwhite matter pathology in MS not detectable on a standard MRI.(Siger-Zajdel M. et al., J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2001 71:752-756).

Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) is a magnetic resonance imaging techniquethat enables the measurement of the restricted diffusion of molecules intissue in order to produce neural tract images. This allows, forexample, for visualization of neurons and white matter, which have aninternal fibrous structure. Molecules diffuse more rapidly in thedirection aligned with the internal structure, and more slowlyperpendicular to the preferred direction. DTI can reveal abnormalitiesin white matter fiber structure in MS.

MRI can be used to measure changes in brain volume. Brain volume losshas been correlated with disability progression and cognitive impairmentin MS, with the loss of grey matter volume more closely correlated withclinical measures than loss of white matter volume. (De Stefano N. etal., CNS Drugs. 2014 February; 28(2):147-56)

In Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS), relative concentrations oftarget metabolites are determined. In the context of MS, MRS canquantify specific neurometabolites representing specific MS-relatedevents, such as demyelination, inflammation, and axonal/neuronaldysfunction.

Exemplary symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis, which can betreated with the methods described herein or managed using symptommanagement therapies, include: optic neuritis, decreased visual acuity,diplopia, nystagmus, ocular dysmetria, internuclear ophthalmoplegia,movement and sound phosphenes, afferent pupillary defect, paresis,monoparesis, paraparesis, hemiparesis, quadraparesis, plegia,paraplegia, hemiplegia, tetraplegia, quadraplegia, spasticity,dysarthria, muscle atrophy, spasms, cramps, hypotonia, clonus,myoclonus, myokymia, restless leg syndrome, footdrop, dysfunctionalreflexes, paraesthesia, anaesthesia, neuralgia, neuropathic andneurogenic pain, L'hermitte's, proprioceptive dysfunction, trigeminalneuralgia, ataxia, intention tremor, dysmetria, vestibular ataxia,vertigo, speech ataxia, dystonia, dysdiadochokinesia, frequentmicturation, bladder spasticity, flaccid bladder, detrusor-sphincterdyssynergia, erectile dysfunction, anorgasmy, frigidity, constipation,fecal urgency, fecal incontinence, depression, cognitive dysfunction,dementia, mood swings, emotional lability, euphoria, bipolar syndrome,anxiety, aphasia, dysphasia, fatigue, Uhthoff s symptom,gastroesophageal reflux, and sleeping disorders.

Each case of MS displays one of several patterns of presentation andsubsequent course. Most commonly, MS first manifests itself as a seriesof attacks followed by complete or partial remissions as symptomsimprove, only to return later after a period of stability. This iscalled relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). Primary-progressive MS (PPMS) ischaracterized by a gradual clinical decline with no distinct remissions,although there may be temporary plateaus or minor relief from symptoms.Secondary-progressive MS (SPMS) begins with a relapsing-remitting coursefollowed by a later progressive course independently of relapses. PPMS,SPMS, and PRMS are sometimes lumped together and called chronicprogressive MS.

A few patients experience malignant MS, defined as a swift andrelentless decline resulting in significant disability or even deathshortly after disease onset. This decline may be arrested or deceleratedby determining the likelihood of the patient to respond to a therapyearly in the therapeutic regime and switching the patient to an agentthat they have the highest likelihood of responding to.

Combination Therapy

The invention discloses combined administration of an immunomodulatoryagent, e.g., an IFN-β agent, e.g., Avonex®; and a reparative agent,e.g., an anti-LINGO-1 antibody, for treatment of a demyelinatingdisorder, e.g., MS.

The agents, e.g., pharmaceutical compositions including the agents, canbe administered concurrently with, prior to, or subsequent to, one ormore other additional therapies or therapeutic agents. In general, eachagent can be administered at a dose and/or on a time schedule determinedfor that agent. In will further be appreciated that the additionaltherapeutic agent utilized in this combination can be administeredtogether in a single composition or administered separately in differentcompositions. The particular combination to employ in a regimen willtake into account compatibility of the pharmaceutical composition withthe additional therapeutically active agent and/or the desiredtherapeutic effect to be achieved. In general, it is expected thatadditional therapeutic agents utilized in combination be utilized atlevels that do not exceed the levels at which they are utilizedindividually. In some embodiments, the levels utilized in combinationwill be lower than those utilized individually.

Treatment of a subject with a disease with a reparative agent can becombined with one or more immunomodulatory agents. Exemplaryimmunomodulatory agents are described herein and include, but are notlimited to, an IFN-β 1 molecule; a polymer of glutamic acid, lysine,alanine and tyrosine, e.g., glatiramer; an antibody or fragment thereofagainst alpha-4 integrin, e.g., natalizumab; an anthracenedionemolecule, e.g., mitoxantrone; a fingolimod, e.g., FTY720 or other S1P1modulators, such as BAF312 or ozanimod; a dimethyl fumarate, e.g., anoral dimethyl fumarate; an antibody to the alpha subunit of the IL-2receptor of T cells (CD25), e.g., daclizumab; an antibody against CD52,e.g., alemtuzumab; an inhibitor of a dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, e.g.,teriflunomide; a corticosteroid; and an anti-CD20 antibody, e.g.,ocrelizumab.

In one embodiment, a combination of Avonex® and anti-LINGO-1 antibodytherapy is administered. In certain embodiments, an anti-LINGO-1antibody can be administered once about every 4 weeks (plus or minusabout 5 days) by intravenous (IV) infusion in addition to once weeklyAvonex® intramuscular (IM) injections. Anti-LINGO-1 antibody treatmentdoses can include: IV infusions of: 3 mg/kg; or 10 mg/kg; or 30 mg/kg;or 50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg; concurrent with once-weekly Avonex® IMinjections.

In one embodiment, 3 mg/kg IV infusion once every 4 weeks of ananti-LINGO-1 antibody was selected. This regimen is expected to yield amean average serum concentration similar to rat serum EC50 in the spinalcord lysolecithin model (adjusted for ˜0.1% CNS penetration). Additionaldosing regimens, 10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg can also be administered. These 2dosing regimens are expected to yield mean average serum concentrationsapproximately 1.2-fold and 3.7-fold higher than the rat serum EC90(adjusted for ˜0.1% brain penetration), respectively.

In certain embodiments, the immunomodulatory agent is an IFN-β 1molecule and is administered intravenously, subcutaneously orintramuscularly. For example, the IFN-β 1 molecule can be administeredat one or more of:

(i) at 20-45 microgram (e.g., 30 microgram), e.g., once a week viaintramuscular injection;

(ii) at 20-30 microgram (e.g., 22 microgram), e.g., three times a week,or at 40-50 micrograms (e.g., 44 micrograms), e.g., three times a week,via subcutaneous injection; or

(iii) in an amount of between 10 and 50 μg intramuscularly, e.g., threetimes a week, or every five to ten days, e.g., once a week.

In one embodiment, Avonex® is administered at 30 microgram once a weekvia intramuscular injection. Following titration when applicable,Avonex® can be administered by IM injection following dosage andadministration schedules known in the art.

In one embodiment, the IFN-β agent, e.g., Avonex®, is administered by aninjection device, e.g., an autoinjection device or pen.

In one embodiment, the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule is supplied as aliquid drug product containing 50 mg/mL opicinumab (BIIB033) (alsoreferred to herein as an antibody molecule having a VH that includes theamino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 275 and a VL that includes the aminoacid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 276), 10 mM sodium citrate, 160 mML-arginine hydrochloride (pH 6.5), and 0.03% (weight per volume)polysorbate 80. The anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule can be administeredby IV infusion following saline dilution.

In one embodiment, the immunomodulatory agent is Avonex®, which is isformulated as a sterile clear liquid for IM injection. Each 0.5 mL ofAvonex in a prefilled glass syringe contains 30 mcg of interferon β-1a.Other ingredients include sodium acetate trihydrate, glacial aceticacid, arginine hydrochloride, and polysorbate 20 in Water for Injectionat a pH of approximately 4.8. The immunomodulatory agent, e.g., Avonex®,can be administered by any suitable means, e.g., a pen or other device.

Symptom Management

Treatment of a subject with a combination therapy described herein canbe combined with one or more of the following therapies often used insymptom management of subjects having MS: Tegretol® (carbamazepine),Epitol® (carbamazepine), Atretol® (carbamazepine), Carbatrol®(carbamazepine), Neurontin® (gabapentin), Topamax® (topiramate),Zonegran® (zonisamide), Dilantin® (phenytoin), Norpramin® (desipramine),Elavil® (amitriptyline), Tofranil® (imipramine), Imavate® (imipramine),Janimine® (imipramine), Sinequan® (doxepine), Adapin® (doxepine),Triadapin® (doxepine), Zonalon® (doxepine), Vivactil® (protriptyline),Marinol® (synthetic cannabinoids), Trental® (pentoxifylline), Neurofen®(ibuprofen), aspirin, acetaminophen, Atarax® (hydroxyzine), Prozac®(fluoxetine), Zoloft® (sertraline), Lustral® (sertraline), Effexor XR®(venlafaxine), Celexa® (citalopram), Paxil®, Seroxat®, Desyrel®(trazodone), Trialodine® (trazodone), Pamelor® (nortriptyline), Aventyl®(imipramine), Prothiaden® (dothiepin), Gamanil® (lofepramine), Parnate®(tranylcypromine), Manerix® (moclobemide), Aurorix® (moclobemide),Wellbutrin SR® (bupropion), Amfebutamone® (bupropion), Serzone®(nefazodone), Remeron® (mirtazapine), Ambien® (zolpidem), Xanax®(alprazolam), Restoril® (temazepam), Valium® (diazepam), BuSpar®(buspirone), Symmetrel® (amantadine), Cylert® (pemoline), Provigil®(modafinil), Ditropan XL® (oxybutynin), DDAVP® (desmopressin,vasopressin), Detrol® (tolterodine), Urecholine® (bethane), Dibenzyline®(phenoxybenzamine), Hytrin® (terazosin), Pro-Banthine® (propantheline),Urispas® (hyoscyamine), Cystopas® (hyoscyamine), Lioresal® (baclofen),Hiprex® (methenamine), Mandelamine® (metheneamine), Macrodantin®(nitrofurantoin), Pyridium® (phenazopyridine), Cipro® (ciprofloxacin),Dulcolax® (bisacodyl), Bisacolax® (bisacodyl), Sani-Supp® (glycerin),Metamucil® (psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid), Fleet Enema® (sodiumphosphate), Colace® (docusate), Therevac Plus®, Klonopin® (clonazepam),Rivotril® (clonazepam), Dantrium® (dantrolen sodium), Catapres®(clonidine), Botox® (botulinum toxin), Neurobloc® (botulinum toxin),Zanaflex® (tizanidine), Sirdalud® (tizanidine), Mysoline® (primidone),Diamox® (acetozolamide), Sinemet® (levodopa, carbidopa), Laniazid®(isoniazid), Nydrazid® (isoniazid), Antivert® (meclizine), Bonamine®(meclizine), Dramamine® (dimenhydrinate), Compazine® (prochlorperazine),Transderm® (scopolamine), Benadryl® (diphenhydramine), Antegren®(natalizumab), Campath-1H® (alemtuzumab), Fampridine® (4-aminopyridine),Gammagard® (IV immunoglobulin), Gammar-IV® (IV immunoglobulin), GamimuneN® (IV immunoglobulin), Iveegam® (IV immunoglobulin), Panglobulin® (IVimmunoglobulin), Sandoglobulin® (IV immunoglobulin), Venoblogulin® (IVimmunoglobulin), pregabalin, ziconotide, Baclofen and AnergiX-MS®.

Clinical Tests/Assessments for the Evaluation of Combination Avonex® andAnti-LINGO-1 Antibody Therapy

Efficacy endpoints of the therapy in any subject can be evaluated usingtests and assessments known in the art. For example, for an RRMSpatient, the subject can be evaluated by acquiring the subject's statususing EDSS. In other embodiments where the subject has a progressiveform of MS, e.g., SPMS or PPMS, the subject can be evaluated byobtaining a measure of upper and/or lower extremity function, and/or ameasure of ambulatory function, e.g., short distance ambulatoryfunction, in addition to acquiring the subject's status using EDSS. Incertain embodiments, an assessment of lower extremity ambulatoryfunction (e.g., Timed Walk of 25 Feet (T25FW)), and/or an assessment ofupper extremity function (e.g., 9 Hole Peg Test (9HP)) can be performed.

Additional exemplary efficacy endpoints that can be evaluated includeone or more of the following.

Efficacy Endpoints Exemplary Primary Endpoints

Subjects can be evaluated for confirmed improvement of neurophysicaland/or cognitive function over treatment as measured by a compositeendpoint comprising the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Timed25-Foot Walk (T25FW), 9-Hole Peg Test (9HPT), and (3-Second) PacedAuditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT). Improvement on neurophysicaland/or cognitive function can be defined as at least 1 of the following:

a) A ≥1.0 point decrease in EDSS from a baseline score of ≤6.0 (decreasesustained for 3 months or greater);

b) A ≥15% improvement from baseline in T25FW (improvement sustained for3 months or greater);

c) A ≥15% improvement from baseline in 9HPT (improvement sustained for 3months or greater); and

d) A ≥10% (e.g., 10%, 12%, 20%, 30%) improvement from baseline in PASAT(improvement sustained for 3 months or greater). Alternatively, theimprovement can be detected using the Symbol Digit Modalities Test(SDMT).

In one embodiment, an exemplary end point for measuring the status of apatient with AON is measurement of the recovery of latency of the VEP(e.g., time for a signal to travel from the retina to the visualcortex). Latency is a measure of how well neurons can conduct, e.g.,their conduction timing. Neurons that have intact myelin can conductbetter (transmit a signal faster) than neurons that have lost or damagedmyelin. The amplitude as measured by VEP is a measure of the number offunctioning neurons (e.g., that contain axons capable of transmittinginformation) and the number of inactive (e.g., dead/damaged) neurons,with a higher amplitude indicative of a greater number of normallyfunctioning neurons. Such measurement can be made using methods known inthe art, e.g., using full field visual evoked potential (FF-VEP). Visualevoked potential (VEP) can be measured by methods known in the art,including the traditional method (referred to as full-field VEP) or witha multifocal VEP (mfVEP) that measures a larger sample of visual pathwayand with better precision. These methods can be applied to increase thesensitivity of detection. For example, the fellow eye in AON can showamplitude changes (in nanovolts) with the mfVEP as the FF-VEP whichmeasures amplitude changes in microvolts may not be sufficientlysensitive FF-VEP measures the latency and amplitude of the centralvisual field, e.g., sum of the latencies or amplitudes of the visualpathway representing about 5 degrees of the central vision (macularvision). mfVEP measures the latency and amplitude of up to 56 segmentscovering up to 60 degrees of the visual field for each individual eye.(Hood et al. Trans. Am. Ophthalmol. Soc. 104(2006):71-77). mfVEP permitsthe mapping of individual segments of the visual pathway, which may havedifferent amplitudes and latencies depending on the degree of injury andrepair.

In embodiments, an improvement in latency delay (e.g., reduced FF-VEPand/or mfVEP latency delay in milliseconds) is an indication ofremyelination of lesions along the visual pathway, including opticnerves, optic radiations, or visual cortex. In embodiments, preservedamplitude (e.g., preserved FF-VEP or mfVEP amplitude) is an indicationof neuroaxonal protection and/or repair along the visual pathwayanywhere between the ganglion cell neurons in the retina and thecerebral visual cortical neurons.

Exemplary Secondary Endpoints

Subjects can be evaluated for confirmed worsening of neurophysicaland/or cognitive function and/or disability treatment as measured by acomposite endpoint of the EDSS, T25FW, 9HPT, and PASAT. Progression ofdisability or worsening of neuro-physical and/or cognitive function isdefined as at least 1 of the following:

a) A ≥1.0 point increase in EDSS from a baseline score of ≤5.5 or a ≥0.5point increase from a baseline score equal to 6.0 (increase sustainedfor 3 months or greater);

b) A ≥15% worsening from baseline in T25FW (worsening sustained for 3months or greater);

c) A ≥15% worsening from baseline in 9HPT (worsening sustained for 3months or greater); and

d) A ≥10% (e.g., 10%, 12%, 20%, 30%) worsening from baseline in PASAT(worsening sustained for 3 months or greater). Alternatively, theworsening from baseline can be measured by SDMT.

In one embodiment, exemplary secondary endpoints to measure the statusof a patient with AON include measuring the change in thickness of theretinal layers (retinal ganglion cells neurons and unmyelinated axonalsegment) and/or measurement of retinal structure and function. Retinalstructure can be measured using known methods, e.g., spectral domainoptical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) while clinical visual function canbe measured using visual acuity, e.g. low contrast letter acuity (1.25%and 2.5%), and/or high contrast visual acuity.

Exemplary techniques described herein for primary and secondary efficacybiomarker endpoint analysis can be further described as follows:

Latency recovery as measured by Full Field Visual evoked potential(FF-VEP) or Multifocal visual evoked potential (mfVEP) which measurewhether remaining (live) axons can be repaired via remyelinationfollowing AON.

In embodiments, the FF-VEP and/or mfVEP amplitude is a different butequally important measure of visual pathway damage for each eye. Inembodiments, an amplitude of at least 40 nanovolts (e.g., at least 40,50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 nanovolts or more) lower than a controlamplitude on mfVEP indicates the presence of visual pathway damageserving each of the two eye(s) of the subject. In embodiments, anamplitude that is at least 20% (e.g., at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%,70%, 80%, 90%, or more) lower than a control amplitude indicates thepresence of optic nerve damage in the eye(s) of the subject. Inembodiments, an mfVEP amplitude that is about 180 nanovolts or lower(e.g., about 180, 170, 160, 150, 140, 130, 120, 110, 100, 90 nanovoltsor lower) indicates the presence of optic nerve damage in the eye(s) ofthe subject. In embodiments, a control amplitude is the average VEPamplitude (e.g., FF-VEP in microvolts or mfVEP amplitude in microvolts)of a normal eye, e.g., an eye of a subject not having one or moresymptoms of an optic nerve disorder or condition (e.g., acute opticneuritis); or the fellow eye of the subject where the fellow eye doesnot exhibit one or more symptoms of an optic nerve disorder or condition(e.g., acute optic neuritis) but the visual pathway can become affectedover time as a results of new lesion development anywhere along thepathway. In embodiments, a control amplitude is the baseline VEPamplitude (e.g., FF-VEP or mfVEP amplitude) of a fellow normal eye.

In embodiments, the FF-VEP and/or mfVEP latency is a measure of opticnerve conductance. In embodiments, a latency that is at least 3milliseconds higher (e.g., at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or moremilliseconds higher) than a control latency indicates a delay in opticnerve conductance in the eye(s) of the subject. In embodiments, alatency that is at least 3% (e.g., at least 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%,10%, 12%, 15%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 60%, 80%, or more) higher than a controllatency indicates a delay in optic nerve conductance in the eye(s) ofthe subject. In embodiments, a FF-VEP latency that is at least about 110milliseconds (e.g., at least about 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170,180 milliseconds or more) indicates a delay in optic nerve conductancein the eye(s) of the subject. In embodiments, an mfVEP latency can be atleast about 155 msec (e.g., at least about 155, 165, 175, 185milliseconds or more). In embodiments, a control latency is the averageVEP latency (e.g., FF-VEP or mfVEP latency) of a normal eye, e.g., aneye of a subject not having one or more symptoms of an optic nervedisorder or condition (e.g., acute optic neuritis); or the fellow eye ofthe subject where the fellow eye does not exhibit one or more symptomsof an optic nerve disorder or condition (e.g., acute optic neuritis). Inembodiments, a control latency is the baseline VEP latency (e.g., FF-VEPor mfVEP latency) of a fellow normal eye.

In embodiments, latency recovery is indicated by a FF-VEP and/or mfVEPlatency of an affected eye after treatment that is within 15% (e.g.,within 15%, 12%, 10%, 8%, 6%, 4%, or less) of the FF-VEP and/or mfVEPlatency of a control latency, e.g., the baseline latency of the fellownormal eye or the unaffected eyes of healthy adults of similar age, sex,and head circumference (normative data). In embodiments, latencyrecovery is indicated by a FF-VEP and/or mfVEP latency of an affectedeye after treatment that is within 15 milliseconds (e.g., within 15, 14,13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, or 2 milliseconds) of the FF-VEPand/or mfVEP latency of a control latency, e.g., the baseline latency ofthe fellow normal eye. In embodiments, latency recovery is indicated bya FF-VEP latency of an affected eye after treatment that is about 120milliseconds or less (e.g., about 120, 110, 100, 90, 80 nanovolts, orless). Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the presenceof latency recovery, e.g., as measured by FF-VEP and/or mfVEP, in one orboth eyes after treatment is an indicator of remyelination of the opticnerve(s).

Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) (secondaryendpoint) is different, and measures the thickness of the retinal nervefiber layer (RNFL—unmyelinated portion of the optic nerve within theretina) and the retinal ganglion cell layer (RGCL—neuron cell body foroptic nerve axons within the retina). The reduction of thickness in RNFLand RGCL following AON are considered evidence of axonal and neuronalloss (death). In embodiments, reduced loss of RNFL and/or RGCLthickness, e.g., a less than 12% (e.g., less than 12%, 11%, 10%, 9%, 8%,6%, 4%, or less) reduction in thickness compared to the thickness ofRNFL and/or RGCL in a normal eye (e.g., normal fellow eye), is evidenceof neuroaxonal protection and/or repair.

In embodiments, visual function is measured by visual acuity, e.g.,low-contrast (e.g., 1.25 or 2.5%) letter acuity (LCLA) or high-contrast(e.g., 100%) visual acuity (HCVA). Low Contrast Letter Acuity (secondaryendpoint) is a measure of the ability of a patient to distinguishbetween degrees of low contrast (faint grey letters on whitebackground). High contrast visual acuity is a measure of the ability todistinguish between degrees of high contrast (black letters on whitebackground). In embodiments, the visual acuity is reported in number ofletters that a subject is able to correctly read. In embodiments, anincrease in visual acuity (e.g., by at least 6 letters, e.g., at least6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 30, 40, or more letters), e.g., LCLAand/or HCVA, is evidence of improvement or preservation of visualfunction in an AON-affected eye.

In embodiments, visual quality of life is an endpoint used in accordancewith the methods described herein. In embodiments, visual quality oflife is measured as described herein, e.g., in Example 6. For example,visual quality of life is measured by a patient reported outcome test.Exemplary patient reported outcome tests include but are not limited toa NIH-NEI visual functional questionnaire (NEI-VFQ) (see, e.g., Mangioneet al. Arch. Opthalmol. 116.11(1998):1496-1504) and a neuro-ophthalmicsupplement (NOS-10) (see, e.g., Raphael et al. Am. J. Ophthalmol.142.6(2006):1026-35.e2). In embodiments, an increase of at least 4points (e.g., at least 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17,18, 19, 20, or more points) in a patient reported outcome test describedherein, e.g., NEI-VFQ and/or NOS-10, is evidence of improvement ofvisual related quality of life.

Additional Clinical Efficacy Endpoints

In certain embodiments, subjects can be evaluated using additionalclinical measures, including:

a) A change from baseline in cognitive function as measured by an MScognitive composite endpoint comprising 2 tests of processing speed (thePASAT and the Symbol-Digit Modalities Test [SDMT]) and 2 tests of memoryand learning (the Selective Reminding Test [SRT] for verbal memory andthe Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised [BVMT-R] for visual memory);

b) Severity of clinical relapses as determined by the ScrippsNeurological Rating Scale (SNRS) or EDSS examination; and/or

c) A ≥10% (e.g., ≥15%, ≥20%, ≥30%) worsening from baseline in Six MinuteWalk (6MW) walking time (worsening sustained for 3 months or greater).

Exemplary MRI Efficacy Endpoints

Analysis of brain MRI focused on measures of repair at the focal anddiffuse levels with both new and preexisting lesions can include one ormore of:

(i) Analysis of new brain lesions:

a) Percentage Gd lesion volume with increased and decreasedmagnetization transfer ratio (MTR);

b) A change from onset in new Gd lesion mean MTR relative to the normalappearing white matter (NAWM) with lesions per subject as the unit ofmeasure;

c) A change from onset in MTR signal for voxels per scan whose MTR dropsbelow the normal value (new MTR lesions) with subject as the unit ofmeasure;

d) A change from onset in new Gd lesion radial diffusivity with subjectas the unit of measure;

e) A change from onset in radial diffusivity for voxels per scan whoseMTR drops below the normal value (new MTR lesions) with subject as theunit of measure; or

f) Percentage conversion from new Gd brain lesions to chronic black holewith chronic black holes defined as T1 hypointensity still visible afterat least 6 months from onset.

(ii) Analysis of pre-existing brain lesions (lesions that are present atbaseline scan):

a. A change in MTR from baseline for abnormal T1 volume;

b. A change in MTR from baseline for abnormal T2 volume;

c. A change in MTR from baseline for abnormal T2 volume not associatedwith T1 hypointensity;

d. A change in diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) from baseline for abnormalT1 volume;

e. A change in DTI from baseline for abnormal T2 volume; or

f. A change in DTI from baseline for abnormal T2 volume not associatedwith T1 hypointensity.

(iii) Analysis of diffuse brain MRI metrics:

a) Percentage brain volume change;

b) A change from baseline in cerebral cortical brain volume;

c) A change from baseline in thalamic volume; or

d) A change from baseline in whole brain radial diffusivity.

e) A chance from baseline in whole brain MTR.

Exemplary Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs) Efficacy Endpoints

In certain embodiments, subjects can be evaluated by patient reportedoutcomes, including one or more of:

a) 12-Item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12).

b) ABILHAND 56-Item Questionnaire.

c) 29-Item Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29).

d) The Short Form (36) Health Survey (SF-36).

e) MSNQ-informant and MSNQ-patient

Efficacy Endpoint Analysis General Methods of Analysis

Summary statistics may be presented. For continuous endpoints, thesummary statistics may generally include: the number of subjectsrandomized or dosed; or the number of subjects with data, mean, SD,median, and range. For categorical endpoints, the summary statistics maygenerally include: the number of subjects randomized or dosed; thenumber of subjects with data, or the percent of subjects with data ineach category.

Exemplary Primary Endpoint Analyses

Exemplary primary efficacy endpoints can include the percentage ofsubjects with confirmed clinical improvement in 1 or more of thecomponents of the composite endpoint (EDSS, T25FW, 9HPT, or PASAT). Thepercentage of confirmed improvers can be presented by treatment groups,and the data analyzed by a logistic regression model. Time to confirmedimprovement may be analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards model.Baseline EDSS, T25FW, 9HPT (both dominant and non-dominant hands),PASAT, and stratification factors may be included in both logisticregression and Cox models as covariates. If 2 baseline EDSS assessmentsare performed, the higher EDSS score can be used for analysis. MRIactivity may be explored as potential covariates as well.

Exemplary Secondary Endpoint Analyses

The secondary efficacy endpoint may include the percentage of subjectswith confirmed clinical worsening in 1 or more of the components of thecomposite endpoint (EDSS, T25FW, 9HPT, or PASAT). The percentage ofconfirmed worseners can be presented by treatment groups, and the dataanalyzed by a logistic regression model. Time to confirmed worsening maybe analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards model. Baseline EDSS,T25FW, 9HPT (both dominant and non-dominant hands), PASAT, andstratification factors may be included in both logistic regression andCox models as covariates. If 2 baseline EDSS assessments are performed,the higher EDSS score can be used for analysis. MRI activity may beexplored as potential covariates as well.

Exploratory Endpoint Analyses

The exploratory endpoints may include clinical metrics, MRI metrics, andPRO variables. They can be summarized by presenting summary statisticsfor continuous variables or frequency distributions for categoricalvariables. The statistical methods used will depend on the nature of thevariables. Binary variables can be analyzed by using a logisticregression model; continuous variables can be analyzed by using theanalysis of covariance model, adjusting for the corresponding baselinesand stratification factors. Time-to-event variables can be analyzedusing the Cox proportional hazards regression model, by adjusting forthe corresponding baselines and stratification factors. Count variablescan be analyzed by a Negative Binomial regression model or a Wilcoxonrank-sum test.

Ambulatory Assessments T25FW

The T25FW is a timed walk of 25 feet. The T25W is a measure ofquantitative ambulatory capacity over a short distance that isresponsive to deterioration mostly for subjects who are very disabled,e.g., EDSS steps 6-6.5. It can be used as quantitative measure of lowerextremity function. Broadly, the patient is directed to one end of aclearly labeled 25-foot course and is instructed to walk 25 feet asquickly as possible, but safely. The task can be immediatelyadministered again by having the patient walk back the same distance.Patients may use assistive devices when completing the T25W. A timelimit of 3 minutes to complete the test is usually used. The test isdiscontinued if the patient cannot complete Trial 2 of the T25W after a5 minute rest period, or if the patient cannot complete a trial in 3minutes.

9HPT

The 9HPT is a 9-hole peg test. It is a quantitative measure thatcaptures a clinically important aspect of upper extremity (e.g., arm andhand) function that is not measured by the EDSS or the T25FW. Unlike theEDSS and the T25FW, the 9HPT is responsive across a wide EDSS range.Broadly, a patient is asked to pick up 9 pegs one at a time, using theirhands only, and put the pegs into the holes on a peg board as quickly aspossible until all of the holes are filled. The patient must then,without pausing, remove the pegs one at a time and return them to thecontainer as quickly as possible. Both the dominant and non-dominanthands are tested twice (two consecutive trials of the dominant hand,followed immediately by two consecutive trials of the non-dominanthand). A time limit of 5 minutes to complete the test is usually used.The test is discontinued if the patient cannot complete one trial of the9HPT test in 5 minutes; if the patient cannot complete a trial with hisor her dominant hand within 5 minutes, the patient is usually instructedto move onto the trials with the non-dominant hand.

6MW

The 6 minute walking test (6MW) is used to assess walking distance.Broadly, the patient is asked to walk the fastest speed possible withoutphysical assistance for 6 minutes and the distance is measured.Assistive devices can be used but should be kept consistent anddocumented from test to test. The patient should walk continuously ifpossible, but the patient can slow down to stop or rest during the test.

SNRS

The Scripps Neurological Rating Scale (SNRS) measures severalparameters, including, mentation and mood; eyes and related cranialnerves, e.g., visual acuity, visual fields, eye movements, nystagmus;lower cranial nerves; motor function in each extremity, e.g., rightupper, left upper, right lower, left lower; deep tendon reflexes, e.g.,upper extremities, lower extremities; Babinski sign, e.g., left side,right side; sensory function in each extremity, e.g., right upper, leftupper, right lower, left lower; cerebellar signs, e.g., upperextremities, lower extremities; and gait trunk balance, e.g., specialcategory for autonomic dysfunction, e.g., bladder dysfunction, sexualdysfunction.

EDSS

As described above, the EDSS is based on a standardized neurologicalexamination, focusing on the symptoms that occur frequently in MS. TheEDSS assess the seven functional systems: visual, brainstem, pyramidal,cerebellar, sensory, bowel/bladder and cerebral; through neurologicalexamination. In addition the EDSS also includes an assessment of walkingrange. Based on the functional system scores and the walking range, anEDSS step is determined. The range of the EDSS includes 19 steps from 0to 10, with EDSS step 0 corresponding to a completely normal examinationand EDSS step 10 to death due to MS. For EDSS ratings between 0 and 4,the scale relies mainly on the scores of the individual FS. For ratingsover 4, the EDSS is primarily determined by the ability and range ofwalking.

Patient Reported Outcome Assessments MSWS-12

The Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12 (MSWS-12) test is a self ratedmeasure of walking ability. The test contains 12 questions withLikert-type responses, describing the impact of MS on walking. Thequestions were generated from 30 MS patient interviews, expert opinions,and literature reviews.

ABILHAND 56-Item Questionnaire

The ABILHAND 56-Item Questionnaire is a measure of manual abilitydesigned to measure a patient's experience of problems in performingeveryday tasks such as feeding, dressing, or managing tasks. TheABILHAND contains 56 unbiased and bimanual activities, which thepatients are asked to judge on a four-level scale: 0=impossible, 1=verydifficult, 2=difficult, 3=easy.

MSIS-29

The Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale 29 (MSIS-29) is a 29 item selfreport rating scale which measures physical and psychological parametersof MS. Three of the items deal with limited abilities, and the remaining26 items are related to being impacted by symptoms or consequences ofdisease. Twenty of the items refer to physical function. Responses use a5 point Likert scale range from 1 to 5.

SF-36

The short form 36 (SF-36) test measures overall health related qualityof life. The SF-36 is a structured, self report questionnaire that thepatient can generally complete with little to no intervention from aphysician. There is no single overall score for the SF-36, instead itgenerates 8 subscales and two summary scores. The 8 subscales includephysical functioning, role limitations due to physical problems, bodilypain, general health perceptions, vitality, social functioning, rolelimitations due to emotional problems, and mental health. The twosummary scores include a physical component summary and a mental healthcomponent summary.

Cognitive Test Assessments

Several cognitive test instruments can be used to determine the value ofthe composite parameter, as follows.

Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT)

The SDMT is a test that evaluates processing speed and working memory inwhich the subject is given 90 seconds to pair specific numbers withgiven geometric figures based on a reference key. It is modeled afterthe Digit Symbol or Coding Tasks tests, which have been included in theWechsler intelligence scales for many years (e.g., Wechsler et al.(1974) Manual for the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised.New York: Psychological Corporation; Wechsler et al. (1981) WAIS-RManual. New York: Psychological Corporation). Recognizing thelimitations some patients have with manual dexterity, Rao and colleaguesmodified the SDMT to include only an oral response (Rao et al. (1991)Neurology 41: 685-691). In this oral SDMT selected in the presentinvention, participants are presented with an 8.5×11 inch sheet thatcontains the numbers and symbols to be processed. The top row of stimuliincludes nine symbols, each of which is paired with a single digit inthe key. The remainder of the page has a pseudo-randomized sequence ofthese symbols, and the participant's task is to respond orally with thedigit associated with each of the symbols as quickly as possible. Thescore is the total number of correct matches (out of 110) made by thesubject within the 90 second time frame.

Good test-retest reliability (r=0.93-0.97, p<0.001) has been establishedin MS subjects (Benedict et al. (2006) Journal of the InternationalNeuropsychological Society 12: 549-558; Benedict et al. (2008) MultipleSclerosis 14: 940-946). Good discriminative validity for distinguishingbetween MS patients and normal controls (d=1.0-1.5, p<0.001) (see e.g.,Deloire et al. (2005) Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry76: 519-526; Benedict et al. (2006) Journal of the InternationalNeuropsychological Society 12: 549-558; Houtchens et al. (2007)Neurology 69: 113-123; Strober et al. (2009) Multiple Sclerosis 15:1077-1084; Parmenter et al. (2010) J Int Neuropsychol Soc 16: 6-16) andfor distinguishing between RRMS and SPMS patients (d=0.8, p<0.001) (seeBenedict et al. (2006) Archives of Neurology 63: 1301-1306) has alsobeen confirmed. In addition, correlations between performance and brainMRI have also been documented (see e.g., Benedict et al. (2007) MultipleSclerosis 13: 722-730; Houtchens et al. (2007) Neurology 69: 113-123;Tekok-Kilic et al. (2007) NeuroImage 36: 1294-1300).

Paced Serial Addition Test (PASAT)

First developed by Gronwall et al. to assess patients recovering fromconcussion, the PASAT requires patients to monitor a series of 61audiotaped digits while adding each consecutive digit to the oneimmediately preceding it (Gronwall et al. (1977) Perceptual and MotorSkills 44: 367-373). The PASAT requires both rapid informationprocessing and simultaneous allocation of attention to two tasks, aswell as reasonably intact calculation ability. In its original format,the PASAT was administered at four inter-stimulus intervals (2.4seconds, 2.0 seconds, 1.6 seconds, and 1.2 seconds). The number ofinter-stimulus intervals and presentation rates were subsequentlymodified by Rao and colleagues for use with MS patients to 3.0 secondsand 2.0 seconds (Rao et al. (1991) A Manual for the Brief, RepeatableBattery of Neuropsychological Tests in Multiple Sclerosis: NationalMultiple Sclerosis Society; Rao et al. (1991) NeuropsychologicalScreening Battery for Multiple Sclerosis: National Multiple SclerosisSociety; Rao et al. (1991) Neurology 41: 685-691; Rao et al. (1991)Neurology 41: 692-696).

This latter version of the test was selected to be a component of the MSFunctional Composite (MSFC) and the MACFIMS battery (Benedict et al.(2002) Clinical Neuropsychologist 16: 381-397). Test-retest reliabilityin MS populations ranges from r=0.78 to 0.93 (Benedict et al. (2006)Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society 16: 228-237;Drake et al. (2010) Multiple Sclerosis 16: 228-237). Good discriminativevalidity for distinguishing between MS patients and normal controls(d=0.5-0.7, p<0.001 to 0.34) (Deloire et al. (2005) Journal ofNeurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry 76: 519-526; Benedict et al. (2006)Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society 12: 549-558;Houtchens et al. (2007) Neurology 69: 113-123; Strober et al. (2009)Multiple Sclerosis 15: 1077-1084; Parmenter et al. (2010) J IntNeuropsychol Soc 16: 6-16; Drake et al. (2010) Multiple Sclerosis 16:228-237) and for distinguishing between RRMS and SPMS patients (d=0.5,p<0.002) (Benedict et al. (2006) Archives of Neurology 63: 1301-1306)has been confirmed. The PASAT score of interest is the total number ofcorrect responses at each presentation rate. Two alternate forms of theRao version of the PASAT are available (PASAT 3″ and PASAT 2″) and wereselected in the current invention. In the PASAT 3″, the stimulus ispresented every 3 seconds, where as in the PASAT 2″, the stimulus ispresented every 2 seconds.

Selective Reminding Test (SRT)

The SRT was first developed by Buschke et al. (see Buschke et al. (1974)Neurology 24: 1019-1025) who conducted research in the area ofanterograde amnesia. Rather than ask patients to recall an entire wordlist on each successive learning trial, the experimenter only repeatedwords not recalled on each successive learning trial. Subsequently,several memory investigators developed normative data for the test, andalternate forms. Note, the original versions were based on a form of thetest using 15 words and 12 learning trials. Such an administration isarduous and time consuming, and therefore there has been much interestin shorter forms of the SRT. The administration procedure widely used inMS research is a six-trial form developed by Rao et al. (see e.g., Raoet al. (1991) A Manual for the Brief, Repeatable Battery ofNeuropsychological Tests in Multiple Sclerosis: National MultipleSclerosis Society; Rao et al. (1991) Neuropsychological ScreeningBattery for Multiple Sclerosis: National Multiple Sclerosis Society; Raoet al. (1991) Neurology 41: 685-691; Rao et al. (1991) Neurology 41:692-696). This six-trial format is utilized in the current invention. Anumber of different versions of SRT word lists exist. Hannay and Levin'sword lists for adults, test forms 1 and 3, are utilized in the currentinvention (Hannay et al. (1985) J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 7: 251-263).Discriminative validity of the SRT has been established in severalstudies, with SRT discriminating between MS subjects and normal controlsd=0.6 to d=1.0 (see e.g., Rao et al. (1991) A Manual for the Brief,Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests in Multiple Sclerosis:National Multiple Sclerosis Society; Deloire et al. (2005) Journal ofNeurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry 76: 519-526; Strober et al. (2009)Multiple Sclerosis 15: 1077-1084). It has also been shown that SRTfindings can be associated with ventricular enlargement as seen on brainMRI (R²=0.14; p=0.05) (Christodoulou et al. (2003) Neurology 60:1793-1798).

Brief Visuospatial Memory Test—Revised (BVMT-R)

The BVMT-R is based on an initial effort to develop an equivalentalternate form visual memory test along the lines of the visualreproduction subtest from the Wechsler Memory Scale (Benedict et al.(1993) Neuropsychological Rehabilitation 3: 37-51; Benedict et al.(1995) Clinical Neuropsychologist 9: 11-16; Wechsler et al. (1987)Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised Manual. New York: PsychologicalCorporation). Initially, the BVMT included just a single exposure to aone-page presentation of six visual designs. The revised versionincludes three 10-second exposures to the stimulus (Benedict et al.(1997) Brief Visuospatial Memory Test—Revised: Professional Manual.Odessa, Florida: Psychological Assessment Resources, Inc.; Benedict etal. (1996) Psychological Assessment 8: 145-153). After each exposure,the subject is asked to reproduce the matrix using a pencil on a blanksheet of paper. There are rigid scoring criteria for accuracy andlocation. After a 25 minute delay, the patient is asked to reproduce theinformation again without another exposure. Finally a yes/no recognitiontask is presented. The BVMT-R has excellent reproducibility, withtest-retest reliability ranging from r=0.85 to r=0.91 (Benedict et al.(1996) Psychological Assessment 8: 145-153; Benedict et al. (2005)Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society 11: 727-736); aswell as good discriminative validity between MS and normal controlsubjects (d=0.9, p<0.) (Strober et al. (2009) Multiple Sclerosis 15:1077-1084; Parmenter et al. (2010) J Int Neuropsychol Soc 16: 6-16) andRRMS and SPMS patients (d=0.6, p<0.001) (Benedict et al. (2006) Archivesof Neurology 63: 1301-1306). Predictive validity, in the form ofcorrelation between BVMT-R performance and brain MRI findings, has alsobeen established. Further, there is extensive research showing that all6 forms of the test are of equivalent difficulty. Variables of interestin the current invention are the Total Learning and Delayed Recallscores.

This invention is further illustrated by the following examples whichshould not be construed as limiting. The contents of all references,figures, sequence listing, patents and published patent applicationscited throughout this application are hereby incorporated by reference.

EXEMPLIFICATION Example 1. LINGO-1 Antagonism Reduces Morbidity andMortality from MOG-EAE in Mice and Promotes Axonal Protection in theInflamed Optic Nerve

Acute optic neuritis (AON) is an inflammatory disease of the optic nervethat often occurs in multiple sclerosis. AON is caused by inflammatoryinjury to the optic nerve and presents with visual loss due to edema,inflammation, and damage to the myelin sheath covering the optic nerveand axons. As a result of AON, there is often a significant loss of theretinal nerve fiber layer and retinal ganglion cell layer. Currenttreatment of AON is limited to intravenous treatment with high dosecorticosteroids which fasten the resolution of edema but do not promotecentral nervous system (CNS) remyelination or provide neuroaxonalprotection from CNS inflammatory demyelination.

Animal models for the study of optic neuritis include the rat and mouseexperimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models; in which EAEinduction results in the development of optic nerve neuritis. In thepresent example, the effects of LINGO-1 antagonism were analyzed usingan EAE mouse model. Briefly, EAE was induced in C57BL/6 male and femalemice at 8-12 weeks of age by subcutaneous injection of 250 μl into bothflanks at the tail base with 125 μg of MOG 35-55 emulsified in completeFreund's adjuvant (CFA) followed by intravenous injection of 300 ngpertussis toxin in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) immediatelyafterwards and three days later. Efficacy on motor system impairment wasmeasured using EAE severity scores on a range from 0-7.

Two separate cohorts of 14 mice each were blindly treated withintraperitoneal injections of 10 mg/kg of an antagonistic anti-LINGO-1mouse antibody or a control monoclonal antibody (N=7 per treatment groupper cohort). Mice were treated on 4 different occasions every three daysstarting on day six post EAE induction and prior to the onset ofclinical disease (days 6, 9, 12, and 15). Mice were sacrificed atEAE-disease peak.

The optic nerve was imaged once at EAE-disease peak using diffusiontensor imaging (DTI) on a Bruker 4.7T MRI system. MRI images wereacquired with the following parameters: TR of 1 s, TE of 30 ms, Δ of 10ms, 8 NEX, slice thickness 0.5 mm, field of view 2×2 cm², data matrix256×128. B values of 0 s/mm² (non-diffusion weighted image) and 700s/mm² for one parallel and one perpendicular diffusion sensitizinggradient directions (Wu, Butzkueven et al. (2007) Neuroimage 37:13138-1147) were employed.

Immediately following MRI analysis, mice were euthanized withpentobarbital, perfused with PBS, fixed with 4% paraformaldhyde (PFA) in0.1M PBS, and the optic nerves removed and post fixed in 4% PFA solutioncontaining 2.5% glutaraldhyde and 0.1M sodium cacodylate buffer andprocessed for electron microscopy. Whole pre-chiasmal cross-sectionaloptic nerve images were taken at 10× and 100× magnification and mergedon Photoshop CS3 software (Adobe Systems Incorporated, San Jose, Calif.,USA). Five pre-chiasmal cross-sectional optic nerve ROIs (regions ofinterest) were chosen for analysis, four peripheral and one central,each measuring approximately 3600 μm² (FIG. 1). Analysis was conductedusing image Pro Plus software (Media Cybernetics, Inc., Rockville, Md.,USA) to assess axonal number, axonal area, and axoplasmal area of eachidentified axon on each ROI. The periphery of the nerve contained themajority of the inflammatory infiltrate. The heavily infiltratedperipheral area and the central nerve areas were assessed separately foreach nerve.

There was no EAE mortality observed in the anti-LINGO antibody treatedmice, whereas 5/14 placebo treated mice had to be euthanized due to EAEseverity (FIG. 2A). In addition, a significantly lower proportion ofanti-LINGO-1 antibody treated mice reached complete hindlimb paralysis(paraplegia) (grade 5 disease severity) ( 4/14 mice) compared toplacebo-treated mice ( 7/14 mice) (FIG. 2B).

Optic nerve diffusion MRI scans were conducted on 16 survivingcontrol-treated mice and 18 surviving anti-LINGO-1 antibody treated miceat peak EAE severity on days 16-17 post induction. The optic nerve ROIimages comprised 10 voxels in the center of the optic nerves at theprechiasmal level. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) showed significantlyhigher apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values parallel to the longaxis (longitudinal, axial, or parallel diffusivity or λII) inanti-LINGO-1 antibody treated mice (mean 1,400, SD 27 msec) than incontrol-treated mice (mean 1,183, SD 36 msec) (FIG. 3, FIG. 4). Incontrast, there was no difference by treatment group in ADC valuesperpendicular to the optic nerve long axis (radial or perpendiculardiffusivity or k) (415±19 msec in anti-LINGO-1 antagonist treated miceversus 403±25 msec in control treated mice) (FIG. 3, FIG. 4).

Assessment of central and peripheral axonal areas, axonal counts, andaxo-plasmal cross sectional areas in the 5 ROIs for each optic nerveexamined were tabulated for comparison (FIG. 5; FIG. 6). Nineteen EAEnerves per condition and 5 healthy nerves were analyzed. The resultsshowed there was no difference in the total optic nerve area or thenumber of axons in the ROIs with the central or peripheral (FIG. 5; FIG.6). However, the individual axonal area (a measure of axonal health) inthe central optic nerve ROI was 13% lower in the control-treated micerelative to the anti-LINGO-1 antibody treated mice (FIG. 5; FIG. 6).Overall, LINGO-1 antagonism reduced the morbidity and mortality fromMOG-EAE in mice; and promoted axonal protection in the inflamed opticnerve by reducing the loss of axonal area and reducing the loss of axialdiffusivity. In summary, damage to the optic nerve was seen in MOG-EAEhistologically and by MRI, and it appeared to be reduced by LINGO-1blockade.

Example 2. LINGO-1 Antagonism in Combination with CorticosteroidTreatment Provides Increased Axonal Protection Compared to LINGO-1Antagonism Alone in the Rat EAE Model

Acute optic neuritis (AON) is an inflammatory disease of the optic nervethat often occurs in multiple sclerosis. AON is caused by inflammatoryinjury to the optic nerve and presents with visual loss due to edema,inflammation, and damage to the myelin sheath covering the optic nerveand axons. There is significant loss of the retinal nerve fiber layerand retinalganglion cell layer as a result of AON. Current treatment ofAON is limited to intravenous treatment with high dose corticosteroidswhich fasten the resolution of edema, but do not promote central nervoussystem (CNS) remyelination or provide neuroaxonal protection from CNSinflammatory demyelination.

Animal models for the study of optic neuritis include the rat and mouseexperimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models; in which EAEinduction results in the development of optic nerve neuritis. In thepresent example, the effects of LINGO-1 antagonism alone and incombination with corticosteroid treatment were analyzed using the EAErat model. Briefly, female Brown Norway (BN) rats 8 to 10 weeks of agewere anesthetized by inhalation of isoflurane and injected intradermallyat the base of the tail with a total volume of 200 μl of inoculums,containing 100 μg rMOG1-125 in saline emulsified (1:1) with completeFreud's adjuvant containing 400 μg heat inactivated Mycobacteriumtuberculosis.

After the onset of clinical symptoms (15-16 days post EAE induction),rats were treated with 30 mg/kg/day of methylprednisolone (MP) in salinesolution or saline solution alone (Veh) intravenously for threeconsecutive days. On the second day of MP injection, rats were giveneither 6 mg/kg of the anti-LINGO-1 monoclonal antibody or controlantibody, administered intrapetitoneally once a week for three weeks.There were a total of four different treatment groups: (1) controltreatment group (Veh+control Antibody (Ab)); (2) MP treatment group(MP+control antibody); (3) anti-LINGO-1 monoclonal antibody treatmentgroup (Veh+anti-LINGO-1 monoclonal antibody); and (4) combinationtreatment group (MP+anti-LINGO-1 monoclonal antibody).

One week post the last treatment (4 weeks post the onset of symptoms and6 weeks post EAE induction), the rats were perfused with 4%paraformaldehyde (PFA) in PBS and cryostat microtome sections of opticnerves (ONs) were stained with anti-βIII tubulin antibody to analyzeaxonal pathology using DAPI and visualized by fluorescence microscopy at40× magnification. For axonal quantification, 3 different sections peroptic nerve were analyzed, and 3-5 animals were counted per treatmentgroup.

As shown in FIG. (FIG. 7), axonal loss was detected in the sections ofoptic nerves of the control treatment group (Veh+control Antibody) byanti-βIII tubulin staining, suggesting severe axonal loss. Inflammatoryinfiltration was also observed ion these areas as shown by DAPI staining(FIG. 7). The number of axons was slightly higher in the MP treatmentgroup (MP+control antibody) (p value=non significant) (FIG. 8). Theanti-LINGO-1 monoclonal antibody treatment group (Veh+anti-LINGO-1monoclonal antibody) showed 5-fold higher axonal numbers, suggestingthat anti-LINGO-1 monoclonal antibody treatment prevented axonal loss(FIG. 8). The combination treatment group (MP+anti-LINGO-1 monoclonalantibody) showed an 8-fold increase in axonal numbers compared with thecontrol treatment group (Veh+control Antibody; suggesting thatcombination treatment of anti-LINGO-1 antagonist such as an anti-LINGO-1monoclonal antibody with high dose corticosteroids can have asynergistic effect (FIG. 8).

Overall, LINGO-1 antagonism reduced axonal loss in the optic nerve inrat EAE. While axonal protection was not seen with daily treatment forthree days with high dose intravenous methylprednisolone, anti-LINGO-1monoclonal antibody treatment resulted in axonal protection ininflammatory demyelination; and combination treatment of theanti-LINGO-1 monoclonal antibody with high dose IV methylprednisoloneresulted in even greater axonal protection.

In summary, LINGO-1 blockade with the monoclonal anti-LINGO-1 antibodyreduced axonal loss in rat MOG-EAE; and the neuroprotective effects ofLINGO-1 blockade in rat MOG-EAE were seen in the presence or absence ofanti-inflammatory treatment with high-dose steroids.

Example 3: Efficacy of Anti-LINGO-1 Antibodies in a Clinical Study

AON damages the optic nerve, causing loss of the myelin sheath andaxonal injury, and may result in loss of visual function, e.g., resultin permanent structural and functional visual deficits. AON is one ofthe initial manifestations of MS. There are commonalities in thepathology of MS and AON lesions (e.g., demyelination, axonal loss,inflammation). Current treatment is limited to high-dose intravenous(IV) corticosteroids that decrease inflammation in the acute phase butdo not affect long-term visual outcome. Hence, there is an unmet needfor therapies that can support repair and protection in AON and moregenerally in the central nervous system (CNS) during acute injury.

AON is considered a good clinical model to measure the mechanisms ofaction of anti-LINGO-1: remyelination and neuroprotection. Anti-LINGO-1is a first-in-class human monoclonal antibody directed against LINGO-1(leucine-rich repeat and immunoglobulin domain-containing neuriteoutgrowth inhibitor receptor-interacting protein-1), a CNS-specific cellsurface glycoprotein and inhibitor of oligodendrocyte differentiation,myelination and remyelination. Anti-LINGO-1 has shown efficacy inpreclinical models of remyelination and neuroprotection, and was welltolerated in Phase 1 clinical studies. See, e.g., Mi et al. CNS Drugs27.7(2013):493-503; and Tran et al. Neurol. Neuroimmunol. Neuroinflamm.1.2(2014):e18.

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group Phase 2(RENEW) trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01721161) was aimed todetermine the efficacy and safety of anti-LINGO-1, e.g., BIIB033, e.g.,opicinumab, for CNS remyelination following the onset of a first episodeof AON and establish proof of biology. In the RENEW trial, two distinctmechanisms of action (MOA) of anti-LINGO-1 were studied: (i)remyelination via latency recovery as measured by visual evokedpotentials (VEP); and (ii) neuroprotection via reduction of retinalnerve fiber layer (RNFL) and retinal ganglion cell layer (RGCL) thinningas measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

Methods

A group of 82 patients receiving a total of 6 intravenous infusions of100 mg/kg of anti-LINGO-1 antibody or placebo every four weeks wastreated to evaluate the effect of an anti-LINGO-1 antibody in patientstreated following a first episode of AON according to the RENEW) trialClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01721161.

Eligible subjects were 18-55 years of age, had no history of multiplesclerosis (MS), and were experiencing a first unilateral AON episode. Adiagnosis AON was based on the presence of at least two of thefollowing: reduced visual acuity; afferent pupillary defect; colorvision loss; visual field abnormality; and pain on eye movement.Enrollment was permitted irrespective of whether demyelinating lesionswere present on brain magnetic resonance imaging. AON as onset ofmultiple sclerosis (MS; newly diagnosed) was acceptable. Participantswere excluded if they had: a prior episode of optic neuritis/previouscentral nervous system demyelinating event indicative of MS; anestablished diagnosis of MS; refractive errors of ±6 diopters or more ineither eye; loss of vision not due to AON; a history or evidence ofsevere disc edema or haemorrhage; an abnormal full-field visual evokedpotential (FF-VEP) in the fellow eye at screening; a concomitantophthalmologic disorder, e.g., diabetic retinopathy, maculardegeneration, macular exudate, macular edema, glaucoma, severeastigmatism, ocular trauma, neuromyelitis optica, ischemic opticneuropathy, congenital nystagmus, or other ophthalmologic conditionsthat could confound the assessment of functional and anatomic endpoint;a history of any clinically significant cardiac, endocrinologic,hematologic, hepatic, immunologic, metabolic, urologic, pulmonary,neurologic, dermatologic, psychiatric, oncologic, renal, severe allergicor anaphylactic reactions, or other major disease; a history of HIV,hepatitis C infection, or hepatitis B infection; a history of drug oralcohol abuse in the last 2 years; been enrolled in another study withinthe last 3 months or participated in a previous study withanti-leucine-rich repeat and immunoglobulin domain-containing neuriteoutgrowth inhibitor receptor-interacting protein-1 (anti-LINGO-1); or aninability to comply with study requirements. Participants also wereexcluded if the investigator felt there were other reasons makingparticipation unsuitable or, if female participants were currentlypregnant, were breastfeeding or were planning to conceive during thestudy.

All participants received treatment with 1 g methylprednisolone/day IVfor 3-5 days before randomization. Following treatment with high-dosemethylprednisolone, participants were randomized 1:1 to placebo oranti-LINGO-1 100 mg/kg IV every 4 weeks from baseline to week 20 (6treatments) and followed to week 32 (FIG. 9). Only the pharmacistspreparing treatments/pharmacy monitors were unblinded. Participants wererandomized by the permuted block method using a centralized interactivevoice and web response system. The block size was four and the number ofblocks was 50. An independent biostatistician was responsible foroverseeing the randomization.

Full-field VEP (FF-VEP), spectral-domain optical coherence tomography(SD-OCT), and low-contrast letter acuity (LCLA) were assessed atscreening, baseline, and every 4-8 weeks to study end (week 32) toassess efficacy. The primary endpoint was optic nerve conduction latencyat week 24 in the affected eye compared with the unaffected fellow eyeat baseline, as measured using full-field VEP (FF-VEP). Recovery ofoptic nerve conduction latency using FF-VEP compared with the unaffectedfellow eye at baseline was a way to evaluate remyelination. A finallatency assessment was performed at study end (week 32).

A number of additional analyses, based on FF-VEP latency, wereperformed, including evaluating the number of participants with FF-VEPlatency recovery, defined as affected eye FF-VEP latency ≤10% worse thanthe fellow eye, at week 24 (prespecified). A post hoc sensitivityanalysis around this recovery threshold was performed. The change inFF-VEP latency at week 24 in the intent-to-treat (ITT) populationbetween treatment groups for participants who received ≥4 infusions(post hoc) was also determined.

Secondary efficacy endpoints included change in the following at week24: (i) RNFL thickness in the affected eye compared with the unaffectedeye at baseline; (ii) RGCL/inner plexiform retinal layer (IPL) thicknessin the affected eye compared with the unaffected eye at baseline; (iii)change in low-contrast letter acuity (LCLA) from baseline measured using1.25% and 2.5% Sloan letter charts; the affected eye's own baselinevalue was used. Thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglioncell layer (measured using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography(SD-OCT)) and change in low-contract letter acuity (LCLA) were methodsused to evaluate neuroprotection.

Between-treatment comparisons were evaluated by analysis of covariance(ANCOVA) and mixed-effect model repeated measure (MMRM) in the followingsubject populations: (i) per-protocol (PP; subjects who completed thestudy, did not miss >1 dose of treatment, and did not receive MSmodifying therapy) and (ii) intent-to-treat (ITT; all randomizedsubjects who received ≥1 dose of study treatment).

For the efficacy endpoints, adjusted mean change was calculated andbetween-treatment comparisons evaluated by analysis of covariance(ANCOVA) at week 24 and mixed-effect model repeated measure (MMRM)through week 32. Week 32 data were used as a supportive analysis tocheck whether treatment effect was sustained between end of treatment(week 24) and end of study (week 32).

A more detailed description of these patient populations is as follows:

Intent-to-Treat Population (ITT)

All randomized patients who received at least 1 dose of anti-LINGO-1 orplacebo (regardless of their compliance with the protocol), but did notnecessarily complete the study. It carries forward the last observeddata point per patient who discontinued, until end of study. The ITTpopulation received fewer doses and last observation data was carriedforward, potentially impacting the treatment effect observed.

Per-Protocol Population

The per-protocol population is defined as subjects from the ITTpopulation who complete the study, did not miss more than one dose ofanti-LINGO-1 or placebo, and did not receive MS modifying therapiesduring the study period. Last observation carried forward was used forimputation in the ANCOVA analyses.

The subgroups of patients with vs. without FF-VEP latency recovery,defined as affected eye FF-VEP latency ≤10% worse than the fellow eye atweek 24, also were compared (post hoc analysis) between treatment groupsusing a chi-squared test; the sensitivity analyses surrounding the 10%cutoff for these analyses used both chi-squared and Fisher's exacttests. The baseline of the unaffected fellow eye was used as thebaseline covariate in ANCOVA and MMRM.

Measurement of FF-VEP

All centers were required to perform all FF-VEP studies using a standardprotocol which complied with both the International Society for ClinicalElectrophysiology of Vision and American Clinical NeurophysiologySociety guidelines. Each VEP study was interpreted independently by twomasked clinical electrophysiologists. If the data agreement was notwithin specified parameters, a third masked, independent clinicalelectrophysiologist arbitrated the data by reconciling the readerdisagreements according to his/her best judgment and expertise, andproviding the final interpretation. Each VEP was interpreted withoutreference to any of the participant's other VEP data. Central readerswere not involved in data collection or analysis.

Measurement of RGCL/IPL and RNFL by SD-OCT

SD-OCT scans were obtained according to a standardized study protocol.Images were obtained at each site from a Spectralis (HeidelbergEngineering, Heidelberg Germany) or Cirrus (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin,Calif.) system.

For each participant for whom images were obtained on the SpectralisSystem, the following scan patterns were obtained on each eye: a dense97-line preset scan covering a 20°×20° area of the macula centered onthe foveal center point in high-speed mode with an ART setting of 16 wasused to image the neurosensory retinal layers and vitreoretinalinterface; a seven-line preset scan pattern covering a 30°×5° areacentered on the foveal center point in high-resolution mode with an ARTsetting of 25 was used to assess the central macula; an optic nerve head73-line preset scan covering a 15°×15° area centered on the optic nervein high-speed mode with an ART setting of 9 was used to image the opticnerve, peripapillary area, and corresponding vitreoretinal interface; anRNFL preset optic nerve 12° diameter circle scan centered on the opticnerve was used to measure the RNFL thickness.

For each participant for whom images were obtained on the Cirrus System,the following scan patterns were obtained on each eye: a 512×128 macularcube covering a 6 mm×6 mm area of the macula centered on the fovealcenter point was used to image the neurosensory retinal layers andvitreoretinal interface; a five-line raster (HD) preset raster scanpattern centered on the foveal center point was used to assess thecentral macula; a 200×200 optic nerve cube preset scan centered on theoptic nerve was used to image the optic nerve, peripapillary area, andcorresponding vitreoretinal interface, and to measure RNFL thickness.

Two certified readers in a masked and independent manner determinedmacular and RNFL thickness and made morphological assessments on codedscans for each participant. A data specialist entered all concordantvalues from the two readers into the trial database and flaggeddiscrepant values. A third certified senior reader arbitrated thediscrepant values. The senior reader reconciled all reader disagreementsaccording to his/her best judgment and expertise, recording his/herdecision as the final arbitrated value that the data specialist enteredinto the trial database. Each SD-OCT categorical variable was graded aspresent, absent, or unreadable (due to poor quality or centration of thescan), according to either the agreed decision between masked readers orthe arbitrated decision when the readers disagreed. For ganglion cellcomplex measurement, two independent readers assessed segmentation lineplacement, and the two readers adjudicated discrepancies. Afterfinishing arbitration, adjudication, and data entry, another masked dataspecialist verified the accuracy of all values entered into the trialdatabase.

Central subfield and RNFL thickness were measured on macular and RNFLSpectralis and Cirrus scans using Heyex software (HeidelbergEngineering), and Cirrus software (Zeiss Meditech), respectively.Spectralis macular and RNFL segmentation line artifacts were correctedmanually. Cirrus macular segmentation line artifacts were also correctedmanually. It was not possible to correct Cirrus RNFL segmentationartifacts manually because of software limitations. Ganglion cellcomplex that comprised the RGCL/IPL thickness was measured usingcustomized semiautomated software (DOCTRAP). The average RGCL thicknesswas calculated in each of nine sectors corresponding to the EarlyTreatment Diabetic Retinopathy grid as shown in FIG. 10. In addition, aglobal average thickness across all nine sectors was determined.

Results

Eighty-two subjects were randomized to placebo or anti-LINGO-1 at 33sites across Europe, Australia, and Canada. All subjects were includedin the ITT analyses (n=41 in each group). The PP population comprised 36subjects in the placebo group and 33 treated with anti-LINGO-1 (FIG.11). The groups were similar in baseline demographics (Table 5) andrates of study withdrawal and treatment discontinuation (FIG. 11).

TABLE 5 Subject demographic characteristics at baseline ITT PP PlaceboAnti-LINGO-1 All subjects Placebo Anti-LINGO-1 All subjectsCharacteristic n = 41 n = 41 N = 82 n = 36 n = 33 N = 69 Female, % 76 6671 75 64 70 White, % 95 98 96 97 97 97 Mean ± SD age, y 32.4 ± 8.85 31.8± 7.17 32.1 ± 8.01 32.2 ± 8.80 31.2 ± 7.12 31.7 ± 8.00 Median (range) 75(47-119) 71.2 (46-106) 72.2 (46-119) 73.8 (50-119) 72.2 (46-106) 72.5(46-119) weight, kg Median (range) 169.0a (155-194) 170.0a (158-188)170.0a (155-194) 169.5b (155-194) 170.0b (158-188) 170.0b (155-194)height, cm an = 39 in each group; total N = 78. bPlacebo, n = 34;anti-LINGO-1, n = 31; total N = 65.

However, more severe cases of AON were randomized more frequently toanti-LINGO-1 than placebo as shown by the prevalence of conduction block(lack of any FF-VEP response; 2:1 for the anti-LINGO-1 vs. placebogroups) and severity of AON signs and symptoms post steroid treatment(Table 6).

TABLE 6 Subject clinical characteristics ITT PP Placebo Anti-LINGO-1 Allsubjects Placebo Anti-LINGO-1 All subjects Characteristic n = 41 n = 41N = 82 n = 36 n = 33 N = 69 Mean ± SD days 24.6 ± 3.44 23.6 ± 3.98 24.1± 3.73 24.3 ± 3.49 24.0 ± 3.75 24.2 ± 3.59 from first AON symptom tofirst dose^(a) Mean ± SD days 19.2 ± 4.85 18.7 ± 4.73 19.0 ± 4.77 19.1 ±4.97 19.2 ± 4.55 19.1 ± 4.74 from confirmed AON diagnosis to first doseNo. with affected 19 (46) 25 (61) 44 (54) 16 (44) 20 (61) 36 (52) righteye (%) Criteria for AON diagnosis, n (%) Decreased visual 36 (88)  41(100) 77 (94) 31 (86)  33 (100) 64 (93) acuity Decreased color 30 (73)33 (80) 63 (77) 27 (75) 26 (79) 53 (77) vision Relative afferent 34 (83)31 (76) 65 (79) 29 (81) 23 (70) 52 (75) pupillary defect Visual fielddefect 32 (78) 37 (90) 69 (84) 27 (75) 30 (91) 57 (83) Ocular pain 31(76) 36 (88) 67 (82) 27 (75) 28 (85) 55 (80) Other  5 (12)  4 (10)  9(11)  5 (14)  4 (12)  9 (13) AON signs and symptoms^(b) at Screening orBaseline, n (%) Visual field defect 29 (71) 34 (83) 63 (77) 25 (69) 27(82) 52 (75) Color desaturation 33 (80) 32 (78) 65 (79) 28 (78) 25 (76)53 (77) Uhthoff's symptom  8 (20) 18 (44) 26 (32)  6 (17) 16 (48) 22(32) Swollen optic disc  8 (20) 12 (29) 20 (24)  6 (17) 11 (33) 17 (25)Relative afferent 33 (80) 30 (73) 63 (77) 28 (78) 24 (73) 52 (75)pupillary defect FF-VEP conduction  5 (12) 10 (24) 15 (18)  5 (14)  6(18) 11 (16) block in the affected eye at Baseline, n (%) Mean ± SDFF-VEP 101.66 ± 5.248  102.66 ± 6.353  102.16 ± 5.812  101.00 ± 4.905 102.62 ± 6.074  101.78 ± 5.51

  latency in the fellow eye at Baseline, ms Mean ± SD brain  0.5 ± 1.61 0.2 ± 1.02  0.4 ± 1.35  0.2 ± 0.65  0.1 ± 0.35  0.1 ± 0.53 Gd+ lesionsbefore first dose^(c) Mean ± SD RGCL/ 66.0 ± 6.9  63.8 ± 7.4  64.8 ±7.2  65.9 ± 7.2  63.6 ± 8.1  64.8 ± 7.7  IPL thickness in the affectedeye at baseline - μm§ Mean ± SD volume  1.0895 ± 1.31543  1.0900 ±1.90443  1.0898 ± 1.62570  0.9461 ± 1.03425  0.8419 ± 1.54836  0.8948 ±1.30383 of brain T2 lesions before first dose,^(a) mL Gd+ =gadolinium-enhancing. ^(a)First dose given on average 2 weeks aftercompletion of high-dose IV methylprednisolone treatment (1 g daily for3-5 days). ^(b)Symptoms were not uniformly tested in accordance with apredefined protocol. ^(c)ITT population: n = 38 in each group; total N =76. §n = 38 in the placebo group and n = 40 in the opicinumab group,total = 78 for the ITT population; n = 34 in the placebo group and n =32 in the opicinumab group, total = 66 for the per-protocol (PP)population. PP population: placebo, n = 34; anti-LINGO-1, n = 33; totalN = 67.

indicates data missing or illegible when filed

The average time on treatment was 23.0±4.12 weeks in the placebo groupand 22.5±5.01 weeks in the anti-LINGO-1 group. In the PP and ITTpopulations, the anti-LINGO-1 group showed improved optic nerveconduction latency vs. placebo at week 24 (Table 7) and week 32. In thePP population, anti-LINGO-1-treated patients showed a significantlyimproved average difference in latency recovery vs placebo: 7.55 msec at24 wks (95% CI, −15.1 to 0.0, ANCOVA p=0.05) (FIG. 12) and 9.13 msec(95% CI, −16.1 to −2.1, MMRM p=0.01) at 32 wks (FIG. 18B). Correspondingdifferences in the ITT population were 3.48 msec (95% CI, −10.6 to 3.7,p=0.33) at 24 wks (FIG. 12) and 6.06 msec (95% CI, −12.7 to 0.5, p=0.07)at 32 wks (FIG. 18B). In participants from the ITT population whoreceived ≥4 infusions, improvement in FF-VEP latency at week 24 wassimilar to the PP population analysis: adjusted mean change of 22.0(placebo; n=38) versus 15.8 (anti-LINGO-1; n=37), a treatment differenceversus placebo of −6.1 ms (95% CI, −13.3 to 1.1; P=0.10) using ANCOVA.

During the 32 week period, no differences were observed in secondaryefficacy endpoints, SD-OCT and LCLA. (Table 7 and FIGS. 13 and 14).Overall incidence and severity of adverse events (AEs) were comparableacross treatment arms. Treatment-related serious AEs wereinfusion-related hypersensitivity reactions (N=2) and asymptomatictransient elevation in liver transaminases (N=1).

TABLE 7 Summary of primary and secondary efficacy outcomes at week 24 PPChange for ITT placebo and Change for placebo anti-LINGO-1, andanti-LINGO-1, plus plus difference vs. difference vs. Endpoint placebo(95% CI) P value placebo (95% CI) P value Mean change in 20.83 ms; 17.34ms .33 22.24 ms; 14.69 ms .05 optic nerve −3.48 ms −7.55 ms latency(FF-VEP) (−10.61 to 3.65) (−15.12 to 0.01) Mean percentage −11.77%;−15.66% .19 −12.22%; −16.98% .15 change in −3.89% −4.76% RNFL thickness(−9.70 to 1.92) (−11.26 to 1.74) (SD-OCT) Mean change in −9.90 μm;−11.05 μm .50 −10.17 μm; −11.93 μm .35 RGCL/IPL −1.15 μm −1.76 μmthickness (−4.51 to 2.21) (−5.50 to 1.98) Change in 8.1; 6.5 .54 7.2;6.0 .66 LCLA; affected −1.6 −1.2 eye, 1.25% Sloan (−6.9 to 3.6) (−6.6 to4.3) letter chart Change in 11.9; 11.0 .77 11.6; 10.8 .80 LCLA; affected−0.8 −0.8 eye, 2.5% Sloan (−6.5 to 4.9) (−6.7 to 5.2) letter chart CI =confidence interval.

Among participants in the ITT population whose FF-VEP latency wasimpaired in the affected eye at baseline (defined as >3% worse thanfellow eye or with conduction block), 53% of patients ( 16/30) in theanti-LINGO-1 group had FF-VEP latency recovery at week 24 (defined asaffected eye FF-VEP latency ≤10% worse than the fellow eye) comparedwith 26% ( 9/34) of the placebo group (P=0.0279). At week 12, 29% (10/35) of the anti-LINGO-1 group and 12% ( 4/33) of the placebo grouphad normal/mildly prolonged FF-VEP latency (P=0.09). Similar resultswere observed in the PP population with 54% ( 15/28) of the anti-LINGO-1and 27% ( 9/33) of the placebo groups having normal/mildly prolongedFF-VEP latency at week 24 (P=0.04) and 30% ( 9/30) of the anti-LINGO-1and 13% ( 4/31) of the placebo groups at week 12 (P=0.10). Post hocsensitivity analyses performed in the PP population demonstrated that10% was an appropriate cutoff to indicate latency recovery (see Table8).

TABLE 8 Full-Field Visual Evoked Potential Latency Recovery SensitivityAnalyses in the Per-Protocol Population. Baseline Week 12 Week 24Placebo Anti-LINGO-1 Placebo Anti-LINGO-1 Placebo Anti-LINGO-1 No.with >3% 34 (n = 36) 30 (n = 33) prolonged latency or conduction failure≤5% worse than 1/34 (3) 2/30 (7) 0/31 4/30 (13) 5/33 (15) 9/28 (32)fellow eye >5% worse than 33/34 (97) 28/30 (93) 31/31 (100) 26/30 (87)28/33 (85) 19/28 (68) fellow eye or conduction block - no. (%)Difference* 4   13    17    Chi-squared P value 0.48 0.04 0.12 Fisherexact P value 0.60 0.05 0.14 ≤8% worse than 1/34 (3) 2/30 (7) 2/31 (6)7/30 (23) 8/33 (24) 14/28 (50) fellow eye >8% worse than 33/34 (97)28/30 (93) 29/31 (94) 23/30 (77) 25/33 (76) 14/28 (50) fellow eye orconduction block - no. (%) Difference* 4   17    26    Chi-squared Pvalue 0.48 0.06 0.04 Fisher exact P value 0.60 0.08 0.06 ≤10% worse than1/34 (3) 2/30 (7) 4/31 (13) 9/30 (30) 9/33 (27) 15/28 (54) felloweye >10% worse than 33/34 (97) 28/30 (93) 27/31 (87) 21/30 (70) 24/33(73) 13/28 (46) fellow eye or conduction block - no. (%) Difference* 4  17    27    Chi-squared P value 0.48 0.10 0.04 Fisher exact P value 0.600.13 0.06 ≤12% worse than 3/34 (9) 4/30 (13) 7/31 (23) 13/30 (43) 9/33(27) 15/28 (54) fellow eye - no. (%) >12% worse than 31/34 (91) 26/30(87) 24/31 (77) 17/30 (57) 24/33 (73) 13/28 (46) fellow eye orconduction block - no. (%) Difference* 4   20    27    Chi-squared Pvalue 0.56 0.08 0.04 Fisher exact P value 0.70 0.11 0.06 ≤15% worse than3/34 (9) 10/30 (33) 11/31 (35) 16/30 (53) 11/33 (33) 16/28 (57) felloweye - no. (%) >15% worse than 31/34 (91) 20/30 (67) 20/31 (65) 14/30(47) 22/33 (67) 12/28 (43) fellow eye or conduction block - no. (%)Difference* 24    18    24    Chi-squared P value 0.02 0.16 0.06 Fisherexact P value 0.03 0.20 0.08 *Difference was calculated as percentage ofanti-LINGO-1 minus percentage of placebo.

No treatment effect was observed for the secondary efficacy endpoints ofRNFL and RGCL/IPL thickness by SD-OCT or change in LCLA for placeboversus anti-LINGO-1 at week 24 (see Table 9 for PP population). However,the majority of RGCL/IPL thinning in the PP population occurred beforethe first study dose administration and all had occurred before thesecond dose was given on week 4 (Table 6, FIG. 14; corresponding felloweye data given in Table 10). The results for the secondary endpointswere similar for the ITT population (Table 11, FIG. 13).

TABLE 9 Secondary Efficacy Outcomes at Week 24 (Analysis of Covariance)for the Per-Protocol Population. Placebo Opicinumab Endpoint (N = 36) (N= 33) Mean percentage change in RNFL thickness - −12.2 −17.0 SD-OCT*;affected eye at week 24 vs. baseline fellow eye Treatment difference atweek 24 vs. placebo  −4.8 (−11.3 to 1.7) (95% CI)* P value 0.15 Meanchange in RGCL/IPL thickness- μm*; −10.2 −11.9 affected eye at week 24vs. baseline fellow eye Treatment difference at week 24 vs. placebo −1.8(−5.5 to 2.0) (95% CI)* P value 0.35 Change in LCLA - 1.25% Sloanchart^(†); 7.2 6.0 affected eye at week 24 vs. baseline Treatmentdifference at week 24 vs. placebo −1.2 (−6.6 to 4.3) (95% CI)^(†) Pvalue 0.66 Change in LCLA - 2.5% Sloan chart^(†); 11.6 10.8 affected eyeat week 24 vs. baseline Treatment difference at week 24 vs. placebo −0.8(−6.7 to 5.2) (95% CI)^(†) P value 0.80 CI denotes confidence interval,RGCL/IPL retinal ganglion cell layer/inner plexiform retinal layer, RNFLretinal nerve fiber layer, and SD-OCT spectral-domain optical coherencetomography. *A decrease (negative value) represents loss of retinallayers; the difference vs. placebo represents the more severe acuteoptic neuritis evident pretreatment initiation in the opicinumab group(Table 6). ^(†)An increase in low-contrast letter acuity (LCLA) frombaseline represents recovery; a negative difference vs. placeboindicates a lack of treatment effect.

TABLE 10 Mean Retinal Ganglion Cell Layer/Inner Plexiform Layer(RGCL/IPL) Thickness (Measured by Spectral- Domain Optical CoherenceTomography) in the Fellow Eye in the Intent-to-Treat (ITT) andPer-Protocol (PP) Populations over the Course of the Study. Mean ± SDITT PP GCL/IPL Placebo Anti-LINGO-1 Placebo Anti-LINGO-1 thickness - μm(N = 41) (N = 41) (N = 36) (N = 33) Baseline 69.2 ± 5.7 69.8 ± 5.5 68.9± 5.8 70.5 ± 5.7 Week 12 69.0 ± 6.1 69.8 ± 5.9 68.7 ± 5.9 70.4 ± 6.0Week 24 69.1 ± 5.8 69.9 ± 6.5 68.8 ± 5.7 70.2 ± 6.5 Week 32 68.7 ± 5.769.9 ± 6.5 68.7 ± 5.7 69.9 ± 6.4

TABLE 11 Secondary Efficacy Outcomes at Week 24 (Analysis of Covariance)for the Intent-to-Treat Population. Anti- Placebo LINGO-1 Endpoint (N =41) (N = 41) Mean percentage change in RNFL thickness - −11.8 −15.7SD-OCT*; affected eye at week 24 vs. baseline fellow eye Treatmentdifference at week 24 vs. placebo −3.9 (−9.7 to 1.9) (95% CI)* P value0.19 Mean change in RGCL/IPL thickness - μm*; −9.9 −11.1 affected eye atweek 24 vs. baseline fellow eye Treatment difference at week 24 vs.placebo −1.2 (−4.5 to 2.2) (95% CI)* P value 0.50 Change in LCLA - 1.25%Sloan chart^(†); 8.1 6.5 affected eye at week 24 vs. baseline Treatmentdifference at week 24 vs. placebo −1.6 (−6.9 to 3.6) (95% CI)^(†) Pvalue 0.54 Change in LCLA - 2.5% Sloan chart¹; 11.9 11.0 affected eye atweek 24 vs. baseline Treatment difference at week 24 vs. placebo −0.8(−6.5 to 4.9) (95% CI)^(†) P value 0.77 CI denotes confidence interval,RGCL/IPL retinal ganglion cell layer/inner plexiform retinal layer, RNFLretinal nerve fiber layer, and SD-OCT spectral-domain optical coherencetomography. *A decrease (negative value) represents loss of retinallayers; as retinal thinning occurred very rapidly (≥half before thefirst dose and all by the second dose), the difference versus placeborepresents the more severe acute optic neuritis evident in theanti-LINGO-1 treatment group. ^(†)An increase in low-contrast letteracuity (LCLA) from baseline represents recovery; a negative differenceversus placebo indicates a lack of treatment effect.

Mean RGCL thinning (as measured by SD-OCT; post hoc analysis) at week 24was significantly lower in subjects in the ITT population with FF-VEPlatency recovery than without. Average difference was 4.92 μm (95% CI,1.39-8.46; P=0.0071). Adjusted mean change in RGCL/IPL thickness was−7.83 μm in 29 subjects with FF-VEP latency recovery (placebo, n=10;anti-LINGO-1, n=19) and −12.75 μm in 40 subjects without (placebo, n=26;anti-LINGO-1, n=14). In the PP population, at week 4, the averagedifference was 3.24 μm (95% CI, 0.10-6.39 P=0.0435 by ANCOVA) insubjects having FF-VEP latency recovery relative to those without FF-VEPlatency recovery. At week 24, the average difference was 4.52 μm (95%CI, 0.86-8.17 P=0.0164 by ANCOVA). The results for the PP population areshown in FIG. 15.

Change in FF-VEP latency was stratified in subgroups by baselinecharacteristics (post hoc). The results are shown in Table 12. Themedian value was used as the cutoff for each characteristic (except forbrain T2 lesion volume).

TABLE 12 Change in FF-VEP latency stratified in subgroups. FF-VEPtreatment difference at Week 24 vs. placebo, Characteristic ms^(a) Pvalue^(a) Age  <33 years −0.89 .87 ≥33 years −14.17 .01 Treated  <25days from AON onset −9.01 .12 ≥25 days from AON onset −6.68 .19 Treated <15 days after steroids −8.21 .14 ≥15 days after steroids −7.16 .20Low-Contrast  0, 2.5% Sloan chart −6.46 .27 Letter Acuity >0, 2.5% Sloanchart −3.79 .48 (LCLA) score High-Contrast  <49 −10.92 .08 Visual Acuity≥49 −4.14 .41 (HCVA) score Brain T2 lesion   0^(b) −10.48 .25 volume = >0^(c) −5.13 .23 ^(a)Based on ANCOVA. ^(b)n = 5, placebo; n = 8,anti-LINGO-1. ^(c)n = 29, placebo; n = 25, anti-LINGO-1

Treatment effects of anti-LINGO-1 were age-related in the PP population.Younger subjects had a smaller effect of anti-LINGO-1 on FF-VEP latencythan older subjects, as shown in Table 13. The change in FF-VEP latencyat week 24, according to age is shown in FIG. 16. Subjects ≤33 years ofage in the treated group showed a 16.93 millisecond delay, amounting toa difference of −0.89 msec relative to untreated subjects (95% CI −11.43to 9.65; P=0.87 based on ANCOVA). However, subjects >33 years of ageshowed a 12.15 millisecond delay, amounting to a difference of −14.17msec relative to untreated subjects (95% CI=95% CI −24.83 to −3.52,P=0.01 based on ANCOVA).

TABLE 13 Placebo Anti-LINGO-1 Age latency in ms latency in ms p-value<33 116.9 (10.8)* 118.8 (15.9) 0.86 ≥33 127.9 (18.1)  116.9 (17.4)0.0099** *Data are mean (SD) msec **p-value for the treatment by ageinteraction = 0.081

The effects of anti-LINGO-1 were affected by time of first dose in thePP population. For patients in which the first dose was administered <25days from AON onset, the placebo-treated group showed a 20.2 msec delayin latency and the anti-LINGO-1 treated group showed a 11.19 msec delayin latency, amounting to a difference of −9.01 msec [95% CI −20.44 to2.42; p=0.12]. For patients in which the first dose was administered ≥25days after AON onset, the placebo-treated group showed a 23.91 msecdelay in latency and the anti-LINGO-1 treated group showed a 17.23 msecdelay in latency, amounting to a difference of −6.68 msec [95% CI −16.75to 3.39; p=0.19]. Thus, administration of anti-LINGO-1 shortly after AONonset (e.g., less than 25 days after AON onset) led to a greaterreduction in latency delay when compared to placebo.

Additionally, the treatment effect of anti-LINGO-1 was more pronouncedin patients with more severe baseline visual acuity impairment asdetermined by high contrast visual acuity (HCVA). In particular,subjects having a HCVA of less than 49 letters at baseline (moreseverely visually impaired at baseline) showed a latency recovery of−10.92 milliseconds [95% CI −23 to 1.2; p=0.076]. Subjects having a HCVAof 49 or more letters at baseline (less severely visually impaired atbaseline) showed a latency recovery of −4.14 milliseconds [−14.1 to5.86; p=0.41].

A summary of the efficacy of anti-LINGO-1 on FF-VEP latency is shown inTable 14.

TABLE 14 Wk 24 ANCOVA Wk 24 Wk 32 (LOCF) MMRM MMRM ITT −3.48 −4.11 −6.06Δ diff (p-value) (0.3337) (0.2546) (0.0711) Improvement 16.8% 19.8%28.7% over placebo Per-Protocol −7.55 −7.67 −9.13 Δ diff (p-value)(0.0504) (0.0514) (0.0112) Improvement 33.9% 34.6% 40.9% over placeboBaseline fellow eye reading: around 100 msec (normal average latency) Wk24 placebo affected eye reading: around 123 msec (~20% worse thannormal)

There were three categories of FF-VEP responders based on impairments atbaseline and week 24. The three categories were:

(1) subjects with non-recordable baseline latency for the affected eye(indicating a severe initial latency delay) and a first recordablelatency >3% worse than the baseline of the unaffected fellow eye, inwhom the week 24 latency for the affected eye returned to within 10% ofthe week 24 latency of the unaffected eye (indicating a mildimprovement);

(2) subjects with measurable latency of the affected eye that was ≥10%worse than the baseline latency for the unaffected fellow eye, in whom(a) the week 24 latency for the affected eye returned to within 10% ofthe week 24 latency of the unaffected fellow eye (indicating a mildimprovement), or (b) the week 24 latency for the affected eye was ≥15%improved from baseline (indicating a substantial improvement); and

(3) subjects with abnormal measurable baseline latency for the affectedeye that was within 10% of the baseline latency for the unaffectedfellow eye (indicating mild or moderate latency impairment), in whom theweek 24 latency for the affected eye returned to normal (within 3% ofthe week 24 latency of the unaffected eye).

Also, MRI was used to measure the burden of disease by detecting lesions(e.g., GD-enhancing or T2 lesions) in the anti-LINGO-1 or placebogroups. Table 10 shows the size of T2 lesions in the brain of subjects,the placebo latency, and the anti-LINGO-1 treated latency. Loweranti-LINGO-1 latency appeared to correlate with smaller T2 lesions.

TABLE 15 Anti T2 burden Placebo Anti LINGO Treatment of disease Placebolatency LINGO latency difference (BOD) in ml subjects (msec) subjects(msec) (p value) 0  4 17.72 8 7.35 −10.37 (0.24)  >0 but <0.78 14 20.1315 13.08 −7.05 (0.207) ≥0.78 13 24.43 9 24.31 −0.1 (0.59)

Example 4: Efficacy by Multifocal Visual Evoked Potentials in SubjectsTreated with the Anti-LINGO-1 Monoclonal Antibody BIIB033 in AON

Increased latency of cortical responses to monocular stimulation,indicative of demyelinating events in the optic nerve, is a hallmark ofAON and has been demonstrated using full-field (FF) visual evokedpotentials (VEP) and multifocal VEP (mfVEP). With mfVEP, visual stimuliare provided simultaneously to multiple regions of the visual field toprovide stimulation to a wider visual field and more precise analysis.See Klistorner A, et al. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2010;51(5):2770-2777.

As described in Example 3, the RENEW trial was aimed at determining theefficacy and safety of anti-LINGO-1 antibody for CNS remyelinationfollowing the onset of a first episode of AON. In the RENEW trialdescribed in Example 3, a mfVEP substudy was also conducted to explorethe use of mfVEP as a potentially improved measure of treatment efficacyin AON trials than traditional FF-VEP (the pre-specified primaryendpoint for the study). The mfVEP substudy is described in thisexample.

Methods

The protocols for the RENEW trial are described in detail in Example 3.In the mfVEP substudy, visual evoked potential latency measured by mfVEPwas included as an exploratory endpoint at selected study sites. Theindividual segments assessed using mfVEP are shown in FIG. 17. mfVEP wasperformed at 4-week intervals from randomization to week 24 (primaryefficacy analysis) and week 32 (end-of-study follow-up). Change in mfVEPlatency from its own baseline in the fellow eye and affected eyes toweeks 24 and 32 were determined using progression analysis by a blindexaminer. A central reading center was used for training, qualification,quality control, and data analysis of the mfVEP substudy (Duke ReadingCenter in cooperation with Vision Search, Sydney Australia).

Between-treatment comparisons were evaluated by ANCOVA and MMRM.Correlations with FF-VEP and retinal ganglion cell layer/inner plexiformlayer thickness were assessed using pairwise correlation and the Pearsoncorrelation coefficient. Subject groups analyzed (ITT, PP, those with orwithout FF-VEP latency recovery) are described in detail in Example 3.

Results

The mfVEP substudy comprised 48% of the subjects participating in theRENEW trial (N=39/82); 18 were treated with placebo and 21 withanti-LINGO-1. The groups were similar in baseline demographics (Table16). Sixteen participants treated with placebo and 15 treated withanti-LINGO-1 were part of the PP population in the RENEW trial.

TABLE 16 Demographic characteristics of the subjects in the mfVEPsubstudy at baseline 100 mg/kg All patients Placebo anti-LINGO-1Characteristic (n = 39) (n = 18) (n = 21) Sex, % female 72 78  67 Race,% white 97 94 100 Mean age 32.3 ± 8.78 31.8 ± 9.93 32.7 ± 7.90 (years ±SD) Weight, kg 75.0 (47-119) 75.0 (47-119) 72.2 (57-106)  (median,range) Height, cm  170.0 (155-194)* 170.0 (155-194) 171.0 (158-185)*(median, range) Mean ± SD 144.4 ± 6.2  147.7 ± 5.3  latency of thefellow eye, ms Mean ± SD 87.2 ± 48.6 78.4 ± 57.6 amplitude of theaffected eye, nV Mean ± SD 156.8 ± 57.3  167.4 ± 34.6  amplitude of thefellow eye, nV Subjects with < 13 (34)  4 (22)  9 (45)  60% measurablesegments, n (%) mfVEP = multifocal visual evoked potentials; SD =standard deviation *n = 20; total = 38.In subjects from the mfVEP substudy as a whole (ITT) and included in thePP population, the anti-LINGO-1-treated group showed improved VEPlatency vs placebo at week 24 (difference of −4.97 ms [P=0.37] in theITT substudy population and −11.78 ms [P=0.06] in the substudy PPpopulation; FIG. 18). An improvement vs placebo of −3.82 ms (P=0.50) wasseen at week 32 in the ITT substudy and of −9.38 ms (P=0.15) in the PPpopulation substudy (by MMRM).

A total of 13 subjects (4 assigned to placebo and 9 to anti-LINGO-1)participating in the substudy had been identified as having latencyrecovery using FF-VEP (latency of the affected eye at 24 weeks returningto within 10% of the fellow eye baseline latency), compared with 18without (11 placebo; 7 anti-LINGO-1). The extent of latency recovery bymfVEP was compared in these subjects. There was significantly less mfVEPlatency delay at week 24 in those with FF-VEP latency recovery (FIG.19). There was also a trend toward a significant difference in recoveryof mfVEP amplitude (FIG. 19) in those with FF-VEP latency recovery thatwas not apparent using FF-VEP.

A summary of the efficacy of anti-LINGO-1 on mfVEP latency is shown inTable 17.

TABLE 17 Wk 24 ANCOVA Wk 24 Wk 32 (LOCF) MMRM MMRM ITT population −4.970−5.636 −3.592 Δ diff (p-value) (0.3680) (0.3127) (0.5543) Improvement22.1%   25% 18.5% over placebo Per-Protocol −11.78  −10.720  −9.379 Δdiff (p-value) (0.0638) (0.0962) (0.1456) Improvement 47.5% 44.9% 42.2%over placebo RENEW baseline fellow eye average = 146 msec RENEW placeboaffected eye wk 24 average = 169 msec

Comparing the substudy mfVEP latency or amplitude changes with otherefficacy endpoints in the RENEW trial PP and ITT populations revealedseveral correlations (Table 18).

TABLE 18 High correlations identified for change at week 24 for theaffected eye from baseline of the unaffected fellow eye* Substudy and PP(n = 31) Total substudy (n = 39) 100 mg/kg 100 mg/kg Placeboanti-LINGO-1 Placebo anti-LINGO-1 n = 16 n = 15 Total n = 18 n = 21Total Mean mfVEP r = 0.98 r = 0.93 r = 0.96 r = 0.98 r = 0.91 r = 0.95latency and FF- VEP latency Mean mfVEP  r = −0.50  r = −0.50 latency andmean RGCL/IPL thickness Mean mfVEP  r = −0.54  r = −0.54 latency andmean mfVEP amplitude Mean mfVEP  r = −0.52  r = −0.58 amplitude and FF-VEP latency Mean mfVEP r = 0.63 r = 0.63 amplitude and FF- VEP amplitudeMean mfVEP r = 0.51 r = 0.51 amplitude and mean RGCL/IPL thicknessFF-VEP = full-field visual evoked potentials; ITT = intent-to-treat;mfVEP = multifocal visual evoked potentials; PP = per-protocol; RGCL/IPL= retinal ganglion cell layer/inner plexiform layer *Subgroup mfVEPlatency or amplitude results were compared with other efficacy endpointsin the RENEW trial PP and ITT populations.

Additionally, the condition of the fellow eye was observed over timeduring the study by mfVEP latency and amplitude. The mfVEP amplitude ofthe fellow eye over time is shown in Table 19.

TABLE 19 Placebo (N = 18) Anti-LINGO-1 (N = 21) Visit nanovoltsnanovolts p-value baseline 180.927 (72.75) 196.237 (55.89) Week 4161.802 (54.83) 183.7 (52.55) 0.236 Week 8 165.581 (58.5) 179.5 (52.36)0.78 Week 12 159.456 (57.28) 182.16 (45.28) 0.18 Week 16 165.748 (58.34)186.14 (49.15) 0.18 Week 20 153.78 (55.74) 191.54 (49.4) 0.0019 Week 24162.726 (58.81) 182.875 (61.89) 0.048 Week 32 146.142 (51.14) 186.218(55.57) 0.0006

A strong treatment effect was observed by mfVEP on preventing amplitudeloss and preserving amplitude in the fellow eye. See FIG. 20. As shownin FIG. 20, the mfVEP amplitude dropped in fellow eye in the placebotreated group as early as week 20, which indicates the presence ofdamage to the fellow eye. In groups treated with anti-LINGO-1, the mfVEPamplitude was preserved through the 32 week study. Thus, anti-LINGO-1prevented damage from becoming established in the fellow eye of subjectsfollowing a first episode of AON.

For both the affected and unaffected eye, the change in MF-VEP Amplitudefrom baseline in the same eye over 32 weeks was determined. The meanchange in MF-VEP amplitude by treatment in the affected eye frombaseline in the affected eye (nV) is shown in Table 20 and FIG. 21.

TABLE 20 Mean change in MF-VEP amplitude by treatment in the affectedeye from baseline in the affected eye over 32 weeks. Average amplitude,nV; Difference vs. placebo 56 segments Estimated Affected eye^(a)Placebo Anti-LINGO-1 difference 95% CI P value Change at Week 4 23.54825.210 1.662 −18.462 to 21.786 .8678 Change at Week 8 30.743 30.335−0.408 −21.083 to 20.267 .9683 Change at Week 12 29.920 41.556 11.636−13.257 to 36.528 .3491 Change at Week 16 34.443 43.119 8.677 −15.225 to32.578 .4662 Change at Week 20 29.547 50.178 20.631  −3.621 to 44.883.0930 Change at Week 24 29.864 43.516 13.652 −11.658 to 38.962 .2808Change at Week 32 25.882 48.198 22.316  −1.261 to 45.893 .0628

The mean change in MF-VEP Amplitude by Treatment in the unaffected eyefrom baseline in the unaffected eye over 32 weeks (nV) is shown in Table21 and FIG. 22.

TABLE 21 Mean change in MF-VEP amplitude by treatment in the unaffectedeye from baseline in the unaffected eye over 32 weeks. Averageamplitude, nV; 56 segments Difference vs. placebo Anti- Estimated Felloweye Placebo LINGO-1 difference 95% CI P value Change at Week 4 −14.017−6.126 7.891 −5.926 to 21.708 .2543 Change at Week 8 −12.361 −4.8147.547 −9.399 to 24.493 .3723 Change at Week 12 −18.452 −2.628 15.824−0.608 to 32.256 .0585 Change at Week 16 −17.522 −2.845 14.677 −1.456 to30.809 .0731 Change at Week 20 −24.336 1.120 25.456  8.150 to 42.762.0053 Change at Week 24 −17.565 −0.588 16.977 −0.225 to 34.178 .0529Change at Week 32 −31.407 1.926 33.333 16.408 to 50.258 .0004

Also, the change in latency (msec) of the fellow eye was measured bymfVEP over time during the study. A MMRM-ITT analysis was performedusing all timepoints and shown in Table 22. There was no significantdifference in latency measured by mfVEP over time in the fellow eye whentreated with placebo versus anti-LINGO-1.

TABLE 22 Placebo Anti-LINGO-1 Visit msec msec Difference p-valuebaseline 144.45 (6.2) 147.68 (5.33) Week 4 145.35 (6.8) 148.68 (4.78)0.623 0.43 Week 8 145.405 (6.4) 148.37 (4.8) −0.442 0.63 Week 12 146.65(5.8) 149.110 (4.7) −0.772 0.41 Week 16 145.83 (6.18) 149.56 (4.3)−0.487 0.59 Week 20 146.55 (6.5) 148.7 (5.1) −1.885 0.09 Week 24 146.95(5.1) 148.18 (5.28) −1.749 0.11 Week 32 145.94 (5.29) 149.14 (4.68)−0.771 0.39

A comparison of the efficacy outcome measures in FF-VEP latencyrecoverers versus non-recoverers is shown in Table 23 (the numbersindicate the change at 24 weeks versus baseline (ITT)).

TABLE 23 Recoverer on Non-recoverer on anti-LINGO-1 or anti-LINGO-1 orEfficacy measures placebo placebo P value FF-VEP latency 4.51 (N = 29)29.33 (N = 37) <0.0001 (msec)* FF-VEP amplitude −3.22 (N = 29) −2.64 (N= 37) 0.587 (uV)* mfVEP latency 6.10 (N = 13) 29.53 (N = 16) <0.0001(msec)* mfVEP amplitude −42.47 (N = 13) −65.92 (N = 16) 0.098 (nV)* RGCLthickness −7.83 (N = 29) −12.75 (N = 40) 0.0071 (microns)* 1.25% LCLA(#of 9.8 (N = 27) 6.09 (40) 0.206 letters)** 2.5% LCLA (# of 13.47 (N =27) 11.44 (N = 40) 0.512 letters)** HCVA 10.78 (N = 28) 12.40 (N = 40)0.528 (# of letters)** 39 items VFQ 14.87 (N = 28) 15.24 (N = 39) 0.82810 item NOS 17.65 (N = 27) 16.78 (N = 38) 0.780 *Adjusted mean vsbaseline of fellow eye; **Adjusted mean vs baseline of affected eye

Conclusions for RENEW Trial

The results described in Example 3 show improved latency recovery (agreater shortening of latency delay) measured by FF-VEP in theanti-LINGO-1 group compared with placebo. Analysis in the PP populationwas statistically significant; analysis in the ITT population showed apositive trend (MMRM; Week 32). At the individual level, FF-VEP latencyrecovery analysis showed that latency in the affected eye recovered tonormal or close to normal in twice as many subjects treated withanti-LINGO-1 (53%) than placebo (26%). Subjects whose FF-VEP latencyrecovered to normal or close to normal had experienced significantlyless RGCL thinning (average, −7.83 μm) than those that did not (average,−12.75 μm). The magnitude of the treatment effect (about 40-50%improvement in conduction delay or about 8-10 msec reduction in P100latency) is consistent with optic nerve remyelination by anti-LINGO-1following AON.

No detectable treatment effect was observed on the secondary endpointsof SD-OCT thinning, LCLA, and high contrast visual acuity that measuredthe neuroprotective effects. However, the results revealed that retinalthinning occurred very rapidly, at least half before the first dose andthe remainder before the second dose.

Also, the treatment effect by anti-LINGO-1 was better in the higher agegroup, in patients with greater baseline acuity impairment, and inpatients with earlier treatment initiation.

The anti-LINGO-1 antibody, opicinumab, demonstrated an improvement inthe study's primary endpoint, recovery of latency (time for a signal totravel from the retina to the visual cortex), as measured by full fieldvisual evoked potential (FF-VEP), relative to placebo. The study showedno detectable effect on secondary endpoints, including change inthickness of the retinal layers (optic nerve neurons and axons) andvisual function, as measured by spectral domain optical coherencetomography (SD-OCT) and low contrast letter acuity, respectively, asherein. The primary and secondary endpoints were measuring two differentaspects of the potential drug's impact of the visual system(remyelination and neuroprotection). The lack of treatment effects inboth secondary endpoints, low contrast visual acuity and OCT, areconsistent. No neuroprotective effect on the retina was detected in theAON lesion in this study. However, a protective treatment effect of antiLINGO-1 treatment was seen for the amplitude of the mfVEP in both theaffected and the fellow eye visual pathways over 32 weeks, which washighly statistically significant at 32 weeks for the fellow eye mfVEPamplitude.

NCT01721161 was designed to study anti-LINGO-1's ability to enablerepair of an optic nerve lesion via axonal remyelination following theonset of a first episode of AON. It characterized the effects onremyelination by measuring the latency of nerve conduction between theretina and the visual cortex in the brain using FF-VEP. The primaryendpoint measured FF-VEP latency for the affected eye at week 24compared to the unaffected fellow eye at baseline. Results demonstrateda 34 percent improvement (p=0.0504) in the recovery of optic nervelatency compared to placebo in the per-protocol population at 24 weeks,and even higher at 32 weeks.

The analysis of the intent-to-treat (ITT) population, which includespatients in both arms who did not complete the study, showed a positivetrend but did not reach statistical significance.

The results herein show that anti-LINGO-1 was effective in causing opticnerve remyelination in patients who experienced a first episode of AON,but who did not yet have diagnosable MS. Furthermore, it showed clearlyprotective effects on the amplitude of the mfVEP in both the affectedand fellow eye visual pathways over 32 weeks. Thus, administeringanti-LINGO-1 early on, soon after a first episode of AON and beforedevelopment of diagnosable MS, may prevent the worsening of AON and/orprevent the development of MS.

RENEW is the first clinical trial demonstrating the clinical efficacy ofanti-LINGO-1 with the observed shortening of FF-VEP latency consistentwith optic nerve remyelination following a first episode of AON.Consistent results were observed in a substudy that measured latencyusing multifocal VEP (mfVEP) and are described in Example 4. Protectiveeffects of the amplitude were seen by mfVEP for both the affected andfellow eyes, and by FF-VEP amplitude for the affected eye (data notshown). Results from the safety analyses show that anti-LINGO-1 was welltolerated, with an overall incidence and severity of AEs similar toplacebo-treated subjects. Safety and tolerability analyses from thetrial are described in Example 5, and patient reported outcomes from thetrial are described in Example 6.

A second ongoing Phase 2 dose-range finding study (SYNERGY) thatinvestigates anti-LINGO-1 in participants with relapsing forms of MS isdescribed, e.g., at Clinical Trials Identifier No. ClinicalTrials.govIdentifier: NCT01864148.

The per-protocol population is defined as subjects from the ITTpopulation who complete the study, did not miss more than one dose ofanti-LINGO-1 or placebo, and did not receive MS modifying therapiesduring the study period.

Example 4 describes the first reported use of mfVEP in the context of arandomized clinical trial. Results from the mfVEP substudy showedimproved mfVEP latency (a greater shortening of latency delay) in theanti-LINGO-1 group compared with placebo at both week 24 and week 32.Differences between the placebo and anti-LINGO-1 arms were greater whencomparing substudy subjects included in the PP population rather thanall substudy participants. Subjects whose FF-VEP latency (RENEW studyprimary endpoint) recovered to normal or close to normal experiencedsignificantly less delay in mfVEP latency from baseline to week 24(average 6.1 ms) and a trend towards better amplitude recovery (P<0.10)than those who did not (average 29.53 ms). mfVEP latency changes werehighly correlated with FF-VEP latency changes (r≥0.91), while thecorrelation between amplitude changes was lower (r=0.63).

Results from the mfVEP substudy are consistent with the overall efficacyresults for the primary endpoint (FF-VEP), as described in Example 3.This suggests that mfVEP could be a powerful efficacy endpoint inclinical trials investigating the efficacy of candidate CNSremyelinating and neuroprotective agents. Furthermore, by generatingreliable and informative results in a multicenter internationalsubstudy, the feasibility of this technique has been established.

The treatment effects from the RENEW study (including the mfVEPsubstudy) occurred within several months (3-6 months) and was of amagnitude (about 8-10 msec) consistent with a CNS remyelinationmechanism of action by anti-LINGO-1. Due to the significantly reducedloss of mfVEP amplitude on the fellow eye over time in the anti-LINGO-1treated group, anti-LINGO-1 likely has neuroprotective effects as well.These results suggest that anti-LINGO-1 may be neuroprotective in MSwhen used prophylactically. These results also suggest that mfVEP ofhealthy eyes could be a way to diagnose MS early on, before thedevelopment of diagnosable MS symptoms and/or before the onset of AON.Though the reduced loss of amplitude was not observed in the FF-VEPstudy, this was likely due to the lack of sensitivity of the FF-VEPmeasurement for amplitude changes. No retinal neuroaxonal protection wasobserved in the RENEW study, likely because much of the thinning hadalready taken place by the time of the first dose. However, cerebralneuroprotection in the visual pathway was likely observed with antiLINGO-1 treatment during the longitudinal 32 week follow up of the RENEWsubjects enrolled in the mfVEP sub study.

Example 5: Safety and Tolerability of Anti-LINGO1 Antibody in AON

The safety and tolerability of anti-LINGO-1 antibody in participants ofthe RENEW trial (NCT01721161) described herein (e.g., in Examples 3 and4) were assessed. The RENEW trial protocol is described in detail in theexamples above. Safety and tolerability assessments included adverseevents (AEs) and severe AEs, clinical laboratory results (hematology,blood chemistry, urinalysis), physical exam findings,clinically-relevant vital sign abnormalities, brain magnetic resonanceimaging results, 12-lead electrocardiogram readings, measurement ofanti-LINGO-1 antibody in blood, and AON signs and symptoms. All subjectswho received ≥1 dose of study treatment were included in the safetypopulation.

Results

Eighty-two subjects received placebo (n=41) or anti-LINGO-1 (n=41) andwere largely similar in baseline characteristics (Table 5). The numberof subjects with an AE and the severity of the AEs were similar betweenthe placebo and anti-LINGO-1 groups (Tables 24 and 25). The number ofsubjects with a serious AE and discontinuing treatment were higher inthe anti-LINGO-1 group than the placebo group (Table 24).

TABLE 24 Summary of AEs Placebo Anti-LINGO-1 All subjects AE, n (%) n =41 n = 41 N = 82 Any AE 34 (83) 34 (83) 68 (83) Serious AE 2 (5)  5 (12)7 (9) Treatment-related serious AE 0 3 (7) 3 (4) Discontinued treatmentdue to 1 (2) 3 (7) 4 (5) AE Withdrew from study due to 2 (5) 3 (7) 5 (6)AE

TABLE 25 Severity of AEs Placebo Anti-LINGO-1 All subjects AE, n (%) n =41 n = 41 N = 82 Any AE 34 (83) 34 (83) 68 (83) Mild AE 12 (29) 13 (32)25 (30) Moderate AE 20 (49) 18 (44) 38 (46) Severe AE 2 (5) 3 (7) 5 (6)

Four subjects discontinued treatment due to an AE. In the placebo group,one patient discontinued treatment (due to MS). In the anti-LINGO-1treated group, 3 patients discontinued treatment due totreatment-related serious AEs. Two of the three patients hadhypersensitivity, and in both patients, reactions occurred shortly afterthe start of the second infusion and fully resolved shortly afterdiscontinuation of infusion. The third patient had an asymptomatic caseof increased alanine and aspartate aminotransferases that was reportedas hepatopathy, first observed after the second infusion, and resolvedfollowing treatment discontinuation.

Serious AEs occurred in 7 subjects. Two subjects in the placebo groupexperienced serious AEs. In addition to the subject who discontinuedtreatment, a second subject had viral pericarditis and tested positivefor cytomegalovirus. Five subjects had serious AEs in the anti-LINGO-1group; 3 resulted in treatment discontinuation (see above), 1 sufferedan MS relapse, and 1 had optic neuritis in the fellow eye.

The incidence of AEs by System Organ Class (SOC) was generally similarbetween groups (Table 26). However, gastrointestinal disorders occurredmore frequently in those treated with anti-LINGO-1 than placebo. Themost commonly reported gastrointestinal symptoms were nausea(anti-LINGO-1, 12% vs. placebo, 7%) and dyspepsia (anti-LINGO-1, 5% vs.placebo, 2%). Six AEs occurred in ≥10% of all subjects, regardless oftreatment group (Table 27). Of these, 3 occurred more frequently withanti-LINGO-1 than placebo: (i) fatigue (15% vs. 12%), (ii) nausea (12%vs. 7%), and (iii) paresthesia (10% vs. 0). The remainder occurred at asimilar frequency between groups or more frequently in the placebo group(Uhthoff's phenomenon). AEs occurring ≤4 hours after the start ofinfusion were higher in the anti-LINGO-1 group than the placebo group(Table 28). The same event did not occur with every infusion and theevents were most frequent after the second and third infusions. The mostcommon infusion-related events were headache (7%) and nausea (7%). Bothevents of hypersensitivity occurred during the second infusion.

TABLE 26 Incidence of AEs by System Organ Class Placebo Anti-LINGO-1 AE,n (%) n = 41 n = 41 Infections and infestations 22 (54) 19 (46) Nervoussystem disorders 22 (54) 22 (54) General disorders and administrationsite 10 (24) 9 (22) conditions Eye disorders 7 (17) 8 (20)Musculoskeletal and connective tissue 7 (17) 8 (20) disorders Skin andsubcutaneous tissue disorders 7 (17) 6 (15) Gastrointestinal disorders 5(12) 12 (29) Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal 4 (10) 4 (10)disorders Injury, poisoning, and procedural 3 (7) 2 (5) complicationsInvestigations 3 (7) 6 (15) Psychiatric disorders 3 (7) 3 (7) Renal andurinary disorders 2 (5) 2 (5) Reproductive system and breast disorders 2(5) 1 (2)

TABLE 27 Incidence of AEs occurring in ≥10% of subjects PlaceboAnti-LINGO-1 AE, n (%) n = 41 n = 41 Nasopharyngitis 13 (32) 12 (29)Headache 11 (27) 11 (27) Fatigue 5 (12) 6 (15) Nausea 3 (7) 5 (12)Paresthesia 0 4 (10) Uhthoff's phenomenon 6 (15) 3 (7)

TABLE 28 No. of subjects with AEs occurring ≤4 hours after infusion Dose1 Dose 2 Dose 3 Dose 4 Dose 5 Dose 6 (Baseline) (Week 4) (Week 8) (Week12) (Week 16) (Week 20) Placebo No. dosed 41 39 40 37 37 37 No. with AE1  0 0 0 0 0 Anti-LINGO-1 No. dosed 41 40 38 37 35 36 No. with AE 3 8^(a) 6 4 5 2 ^(a)Includes 2 cases of hypersensitivity leading totreatment discontinuation.Seventeen subjects had weight gain >7% from Baseline. Placebo, n=4 (10%)vs. anti-LINGO-1, n=13 (32%). Subgroup analyses showed that subjects whogained >7% during the study had worse baseline disease (including higherfrequency of conduction block, high contrast visual acuity impairment,and visual evoked potential latency delay). Three participants hadweight decrease >7% (placebo, n=2; anti-LINGO-1, n=1). Other safety andtolerability investigations were similar between groups.

Conclusions for Safety and Tolerability

The results show that anti-LINGO-1 at the dose of 100 mg/kg wasgenerally well tolerated, and the overall incidence and severity of AEswas comparable with that of placebo-treated subjects. In the study, fewtreatment-related serious AEs were observed, and they all resolved ondiscontinuation of treatment. The incidence of serious AEs not relatedto treatment also was low, and the majority were MS related.

The most common AEs regardless of treatment were nasopharyngitis,headache, fatigue, Uhthoff phenomenon, and nausea. The most common AEsoccurring at a higher rate on anti-LINGO-1 than placebo were fatigue,nausea, and paresthesia. No deaths occurred during the trial. Theincidence of serious adverse effects (SAEs) were higher in theanti-LINGO-1 treated group (12%) than the placebo treated group (5%).Two patients treated with anti-LINGO-1 had SAEs of hypersensitivityreactions occurring around the time of infusion. One patient had a SAEof asymptomatic elevation in liver transaminases, which was resolvedafter drug discontinuation.

No immunogenicity was observed. Increased numbers of asymptomaticelevation in serum transaminases >3×ULN were seen in the anti-LINGO-1treated group than in the placebo treated group (anti-LINGO-1 7% versusplacebo 0). An increased incidence of post-baseline weight changes ofgreater than 7% (increase at any post-baseline timepoint) were seen inthe anti-LINGO-1 treated subjects (anti-LINGO-1 32% versus placebo 10%).The safety and tolerability of anti-LINGO-1 in the treatment of AONsupport the use and ongoing clinical development of anti-LINGO-1 for CNSdemyelinating diseases.

Example 6: Effects of Anti-LINGO-1 Antibody on Vision-Related Quality ofLife in Subjects with AON

The RENEW clinical trial is described in detail in the above examples.There are currently no established patient reported outcomes (PROs) forAON or to measure remyelination. Thus, in the RENEW trial, a furtherexploratory endpoint was assessed. In particular, a PRO measure forvision-related quality of life (QoL), the National Eye Institute VisualFunctioning Questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25) (Mangione C M, et al. ArchOphthalmol. 1998; 116(10:1496-1504), was performed to evaluate thetreatment benefit of anti-LINGO-1. This analysis evaluated theself-reported visual functioning of patients with AON randomized toanti-LINGO-1 or placebo in RENEW.

The protocol of the RENEW trial is described in detail in the aboveexamples. The NEI-VFQ-25, including 13 addendum items, and the 10-itemNeuro-Ophthalmic Supplement (NOS-10 (Raphael B A, et al. Am JOphthalmol. 2006; 142(6):1026-1035.e2); exploratory endpoints), rangedfrom 0 (high impairment) to 100 (no impairment). A change of 4 pointswas considered clinically meaningful (Stine I J, et al. InvestOphthalmol Vis Sci. 2009; 50(8):3629-3635). The NEI VFQ-25 wasadministered at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, and 32.Results of the NEI VFQ-25 and the NOS-10 are presented separately andcombined.

Statistical Analyses

The PP population was defined as subjects who completed the study, didnot miss >1 dose of treatment, and did not receive multiple sclerosismodifying therapy. Data from the PP population are presented in thisexample. Between-treatment differences in mean change in score frombaseline for each of the vision-related QoL assessments were analyzed bymixed-effect model repeated measure (MMRM) and analysis of covariance(ANCOVA). MMRM and ANCOVA models were adjusted for baselinevision-related QoL assessment value and treatment group. Lastobservation carried forward (LOCF) was used for imputation in ANCOVAanalyses.

Results

A total of 69 patients were included in the PP population of RENEW andreceived either placebo (n=36) or anti-LINGO-1 (n=33). Demographiccharacteristics were similar at baseline (Table 5), Patient scoresreflected considerable impairment at baseline on the NEI VFQ-25composite (Table 29). Patients in the placebo group had slightly highermean scores at baseline compared with the anti-LINGO-1 group (Table 29).Both groups experienced substantial improvements from baseline inadjusted mean NEI VFQ-25 composite, NOS-10, and combined NEI VFQ-25 andNOS-10 composite scores through week 24 (FIG. 23). Between-treatmentdifferences in mean change in score from baseline for each of thevision-related. QoL assessments were not significantly different at anytime point (FIG. 23).

At Week 24, the majority of patients in both groups had ≥4-pointimprovement in NEI VFQ-25 composite score, while few patientsexperienced ≥4-point decline (FIG. 24). Mean change from baseline forNEI VFQ-25 composite, NOS-10, and combined NEI VFQ-25 and NOS-10composite scores did not differ between treatment groups based on ANCOVAmodels (Table 30).

TABLE 29 Demographic characteristics and baseline vision-related QoL (PPpopulation) Placebo Anti-LINGO-1 All subjects Parameter n = 36 n = 33 N= 69 Female, % 75 64 70 White, % 97 97 97 Mean ± SD age, y 32.2 ± 8.8031.2 ± 7.12 31.7 ± 8.00 Median (range) weight,  73.8  72.2  72.5 kg (50-119)  (46-106)  (46-119) Median (range) height, 169.5 170.0 170.0cm^(a) (155-194) (158-188) (155-194) Mean ± SD NEI VFQ- 79.0 ± 16.6 75.5± 17.6  77.3 ± 17.02d 25 composite score^(b) Mean ± SD NOS-10 69.8 ±21.2 63.6 ± 19.8 66.9 ± 20.6 score^(a) Mean ± SD combined 77.2 ± 16.970.4 ± 18.3 74.0 ± 17.8 NEI VFQ-25 and NOS- 10 composite score^(a)^(a)Placebo, n = 34; anti-LINGO-1, n = 31; total N = 65. ^(b)Placebo, n= 35; anti-LINGO-1, n = 32; total N = 67.

TABLE 30 Change from Baseline in mean in NEI VFQ-25 composite, NOS-10,and combined NEI VFQ-25 and NOS-10 composite scores at Week 24 analyzedby ANCOVA^(a) (PP population) Placebo Anti-LINGO-1 Parameter n = 36 n =33 NEI VFQ-25 composite score Mean change from Baseline 15.17 13.51Difference vs. placebo (95% CI) — −1.66 (−5.11% to 1.78%) P value —  .3374 NOS-10 score Mean change from Baseline 17.40 16.04 Differencevs. placebo (95% CI) — −1.35 (−7.38% to 4.67%) P value —   .6550Combined NEI VFQ-25 and NOS-10 composite score Mean change from Baseline15.83 14.88 Difference vs. placebo (95% CI) — −0.95 (−5.08% to 3.19%) Pvalue —   .6487 ^(a)Adjusted for baseline vision-related QoL assessmentvalue and treatment group.

Conclusions for Patient Reported Outcomes

The RENEW trial evaluated patient-reported visual functioning in an AONepisode with an intervention. Baseline NEI VFQ-25 composite and NOS-10scores indicated that all patients had visual functioning impairment atthe start of the study. Regardless of initial injury or treatment group,patients demonstrated notable improvements in vision-related QoL scoresfrom Baseline to week 24. Despite improvements, mean NEI VFQ-25composite score by week 24 for each group remained below the maximumpossible score of 100 (no visual impairment). The residual PRO visualfunctioning impairment is consistent with the permanent loss of neuronsthat occurred early on (see Example 3) and likely prevented treatmenteffect on neuroprotection and visual-related QoL assessments. It isunclear whether any of the 49 items included in the NEI VFQ-25 andNOS-10 are sensitive to demyelination or remyelination in the opticnerve. The NOS-10 may be more sensitive, as it showed more visualfunction impairment at baseline and was more sensitive to change overtime.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The contents of all references, figures, sequence listing, patents andpublished patent applications cited throughout this application arehereby incorporated by reference. All publications, patents, and patentapplications mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entirety as if each individual publication, patent or patentapplication was specifically and individually indicated to beincorporated by reference. In case of conflict, the present application,including any definitions herein, will control.

Also incorporated by reference in their entirety are any polynucleotideand polypeptide sequences which reference an accession numbercorrelating to an entry in a public database, such as those maintainedby The Institute for Genomic Research (TIGR) on the worldwide web attigr.org and/or the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)on the worldwide web at ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

EQUIVALENTS

Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain usingno more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specificembodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents areintended to be encompassed.

1. (canceled)
 2. A method of treating or preventing a CNS demyelinatingdisorder chosen from one or both of multiple sclerosis (MS) or aninflammatory condition of the optic nerve, said method comprisingadministering to a human subject in need thereof, an anti-LINGO-1antibody molecule, wherein the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule isadministered in an amount to treat or prevent the CNS demyelinatingdisease at a selected time interval chosen from one, two, or all of: (i)prior to the onset or relapse of one or more symptoms of the CNSdemyelinating disease; (ii) within 7 days after the onset or relapse ofone or more symptoms of the CNS demyelinating disease; or (iii) within30 days after the onset or relapse of one or more symptoms of the CNSdemyelinating disease. 3.-7. (canceled)
 8. The method of claim 2,wherein administration of the anti-LINGO antibody molecule is initiatedbefore the onset or relapse of one or more symptoms of the inflammatorycondition of the optic nerve in one or both eyes of the subject.
 9. Themethod of claim 2, wherein the anti-LINGO antibody molecule isadministered prophylactically or chronically. 10.-14. (canceled)
 15. Themethod of claim 2, wherein administration of the anti-LINGO antibodymolecule is initiated less than 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2,1 day, or hours after an acute lesion in MS, an MS relapse, or AON. 16.The method of claim 15, wherein the anti-LINGO antibody molecule isadministered, as a monotherapy or as a combination therapy, at about 1,3, 10, 30, 60, 100 or 150 mg/kg once every one, two, three, four or fiveweeks by intravenous, subcutaneous, or intramuscular injection. 17.-22.(canceled)
 23. The method of claim 2, wherein the subject isasymptomatic at the time of treatment. 24.-25. (canceled)
 26. The methodof claim 2, wherein the subject is diagnosed with the optic nervedisorder in one or both eyes, but does not show an MS symptom. 27.-44.(canceled)
 45. The method of claim 2, wherein the anti-LINGO antibodymolecule is administered as a monotherapy in an amount ranging fromabout 10 to 300 mg/kg, 20 to 250 mg/kg, 50 to 200 mg/kg, 75 to 150mg/kg, 90 to 120 mg/kg, or about 100 mg/kg.
 46. The method of claim 2,wherein the anti-LINGO antibody molecule is administered as acombination therapy in an amount ranging from about 1 to 150 mg/kg, or 3to 100 mg/kg.
 47. (canceled)
 48. The method of claim 2, wherein theanti-LINGO-1 antibody is administered in combination with animmunosuppressive agent chosen from one or more of: an IFN-β 1 molecule;a corticosteroid; a polymer of glutamic acid, lysine, alanine andtyrosine or glatiramer; an antibody or fragment thereof against alpha-4integrin or natalizumab; an anthracenedione molecule or mitoxantrone; afingolimod or FTY720 or other SIP1 functional modulator; a dimethylfumarate; an antibody to the alpha subunit of the IL-2 receptor of Tcells (CD25) or daclizumab; an antibody against CD52 or alemtuzumab; anantibody against CD20; or an inhibitor of a dihydroorotate dehydrogenaseor teriflunomide.
 49. (canceled)
 50. The method of claim 2, wherein theanti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule is a monoclonal antibody against humanLINGO-1. 51.-53. (canceled)
 54. The method of claim 2, wherein theanti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule is modified to reduce effector cell andcomplement function compared to wild-type IgG1.
 55. The method of claim2, wherein the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule comprises: (i) three CDRsof a heavy chain variable domain comprising the amino acid sequence ofSEQ ID NO: 6, 7 or 8, or SEQ ID NO: 2, 3 or 30; (ii) three CDRs of alight chain variable domain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ IDNO: 14, 15 or 16, or SEQ ID NO: 10, 11 or 12; (iii) a heavy chainvariable domain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5 orSEQ ID NO: 66; (iv) a light chain variable domain comprising the aminoacid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13 or SEQ ID NO: 9; or (v) a heavy chaincomprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 275, or a sequencesubstantially identical thereto; and a light chain comprising the aminoacid sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 276. 56.-62. (canceled)
 63. The method ofclaim 48, wherein the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule comprises a heavychain variable domain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5or SEQ ID NO: 66, and a light chain variable domain comprising the aminoacid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13 or SEQ ID NO: 9; and theimmunosuppressive agent is Avonex®. 64.-84. (canceled)
 85. The method ofclaim 48, wherein: the anti-LINGO-1 antibody molecule is administeredonce every four weeks by IV infusion dosed at about 3 mg/kg, about 10mg/kg, about 30 mg/kg, about 50 mg/kg, or about 100 mg/kg; and theimmunosuppressive agent is IFN-β 1 and is administered at one or moreof: (i) at 20-45 microgram once a week via intramuscular injection; (ii)at 20-30 microgram once or three times a week, or at 40-50 microgramsonce or three times a week, via subcutaneous injection; or (iii) in anamount of between 10 and 50 μg intramuscularly, e.g., three times aweek, or every five to ten days.
 86. The method of claim 2, wherein thesubject has been, or is being evaluated by one or more of: performing aneurological examination; acquiring the subject's status on the ExpandedDisability Status Scale (EDSS); acquiring the subject's status on theMultiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC); detecting the subject'slesion status; acquiring a measure of upper and/or lower extremityfunction; acquiring a measure of short distance ambulatory function;acquiring a measure of long distance ambulatory function; acquiring ameasure of cognitive function; or acquiring a measure of visualfunction.
 87. The method of claim 2, further comprising one or more of:acquiring the subject's status on the MSFC; performing a neurologicalexamination; acquiring the subject's status on the Expanded DisabilityStatus Scale (EDSS); detecting the subject's lesion status; acquiring ameasure of upper and/or lower extremity function; acquiring a measure ofshort distance ambulatory function; acquiring a measure of long distanceambulatory function; acquiring a measure of cognitive function; oracquiring a measure of visual function. 88.-95. (canceled)
 96. Themethod of claim 86, wherein an improvement in the subject is defined byone or more of: a. ≥1.0 point decrease in EDSS from a baseline score of≤6.0; b. ≥15% improvement from baseline in T25FW; c. ≥15% improvementfrom baseline in 9HPT; or d. ≥15% improvement from baseline in PASAT orSDMT. 97.-98. (canceled)
 99. A method of diagnosing a human subject atrisk of developing, a CNS demyelinating disorder, comprising acquiringmeasuring one or both of optic nerve damage or optic nerve conductancefor one or both eyes of the subject, wherein the presence of optic nervedamage and/or a delay in optic nerve conductance in one or both eyesindicates that the subject is at risk for developing the CNSdemyelinating disorder. 100.-106. (canceled)
 107. A kit comprising anantibody molecule against human LINGO-1 with instructions for use intreating multiple sclerosis or an inflammatory condition of the opticnerve, wherein the antibody is instructed to be administered at aselected time interval chosen from one, two, or all of: (i) prior to theonset or relapse of one or more symptoms of the CNS demyelinatingdisease; (ii) within 7 days after the onset or relapse of one or moresymptoms of the CNS demyelinating disease; or (iii) within 30 days afterthe onset or relapse of one or more symptoms of the CNS demyelinatingdisease. 108.-112. (canceled)